Aralia racemosa - American Spikenard

American spikenard is a large woodland herbaceous perennial is shrub-like in appearance, and has a variety of appealing properties. First, it is an host plant for the shield bug Elasmostethus atricornis. Its flowers are pretty, though small, and they provide nectar and pollen to native short-tongued bees and docile solitary wasps at a time when few forest plants are in bloom. The real beauty arrives in late summer to early fall, when the pollinated flowers become beautiful (and edible) deep red, berry-like fruits, which are relished by chipmunks and songbirds, especially thrushes. Its roots, also edible (and used for making root beer), are thick tubers that grow deeply, making this plant useful for erosion control on slopes.

American spikenard grows naturally in moist deciduous hardwood forests and forest edges. It is very shade tolerant, and pairs well with sedges like Penn sedge and long-beaked sedge. It is perfect for moist shade gardens, and adds a unique appearance and wildlife value to your home landscape. The product sold is in 8” deep tree pots, which offer ample room for the large root system to develop in our nursery prior to planting on your site.

Sun: Part sun - shade

Height: 3 - 7’

Flower color: white

Bloom time: June - July

Wetness: medium wet - medium

Soil: thrives in fertile loam

Photo credit: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org