American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa): Bold, Native Woodland Perennial with Showy Berries

Overview

American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a large, herbaceous perennial native to rich woods of eastern North America. It grows 3-6 feet tall with huge, compound leaves (up to 2 feet long) and a stout, aromatic root. In summer, it produces large, branching panicles of tiny greenish-white flowers, followed by showy clusters of dark purple berries in fall.

Botanical Details

• Family: Araliaceae (ginseng family)
• Genus: Aralia
• Species: racemosa

Culture & Uses

Part to full shade, rich, moist, well-drained soil. Slow to establish but long-lived. Root used traditionally as a flavoring (root beer, teas) and medicinally (expectorant, anti-inflammatory). Berries feed birds. Architectural foliage for woodland gardens, back of borders. Deer resistant. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.