Yes, it's quite variegated. Hopefully, if propagated successfully it will also be stable.

So far as I can tell, there is no such thing as Aralia spinosa var. detail. I don't even think there's such a thing as Aralia spinosa 'Detail'. Giboosi_alttara, if you're still around, where'd you come up with the name?

Surprised this thread didn't go any further - way back when - and got more commentary on style over substance.

I suspect this is NOT the native North American Aralia spinosa, but rather the Asian/Japanese Aralia elata.

I don't think that species is hardy in zone 3/4. You might pursue the choice selection Aralia elata 'Hope Springs Eternal'.

I understand that it is a far better performer in most settings than the dud A. e. 'Fool's Errand'...

FrozeBud - Now that is the kind of fall foliage I just love! SO pretty! What variety is that and is it planted in sun or shade?

ViburnumValley, I really know very little of these shrubs, other that I was surprised to see A. spinosa thriving at my nearby botanical gardens of zone 3. A few years later I obtained a plant and can confidently say it would manage zone 2 just fine! Yes, plant with caution the stems are mean thorny and the thing suckers, a lawn setting would be good that the suckers are kept sheared off. Also, wise to set out of the full brunt of the wind to help prevent leaf burn, the foliage is absolutely massive 3 ft long x 2 wide, looks like a tree fern!

I had presumed elata to be less hardy, 'Silver Umbrella' is hardy is zone 5 and have read of success in zone 4 and even worthy of trial in a protected zone 3 site, now that's encouraging, but who knows! I was unable to find Aralia elata 'Hope Springs Eternal' in any searches and neither for 'Fool's Errand' ... real problem is coming across any desirable variegated selection in Canada!

Prairiemoon, mine was labeled as Aralia spinosa, it's planted in a full sun hot dry position, I'm surprised it has done so well and getting to be good sized, though will attempt to dig and relocate to location that better shows it off. I did have other better photos, though can't seem to locate them now.

I believe A. e. ’Hope Springs Eternal’ and A. e. ’Fool’s Errand’ are the same clone. When planted it’s the former; thereafter it’s the latter.

Maackia, I guess it would be a bit of a stretch for me to grow A. elata 'Silver Umbrella' ... but, love to get my hands on it, what a beauty!