Aralia racemosa

Also Known As

American Spikenard

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-5'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

3a-9b

More Options

Aralia racemosa plant details

Aralia racemosa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge followed by purple fruit. Attracts bees, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aralia racemosa

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: araliaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aralia racemosa

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: humidity
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Gracing the shade garden with a quiet textural beauty, this slowly colonizing North American perennial inhabits wooded areas, from New Brunswick to North Carolina and west to Utah and New Mexico. Large, stout aromatic rhizomes sprout a multitude of abundantly branched glabrous stems and shrubby dark green compound foliage. The lush heart-shaped leaflets are toothed and unfurl in bronzy shades. Numerous round airy starbursts, defined by tiny cream-colored flowers, light up long terminal panicles like 4th of July sparklers. Glistening dark purple berries add additional appeal, while the spicy roots flavor root beer and yield medicinal remedies for broken bones, inflammation and asthma. Surprisingly adaptable and easily maintained, Life-of-Man relishes bright shade, average moisture and fertile locales.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

Aralia racemosa (Spikenard) resembles a small shrub with cloud-like clusters of white flowers in late summer that float above large heart-shaped leaves. Clusters of berries turn from red to deep purple as they mature in early fall. A robust and showy woodland plant, Spikenard is a relative of Sarsaparilla. This long lived beauty serves as an excellent specimen in the woodland garden. Hardy to Zone 3 ? 7.