Aralia californica
California spikenard
Overview
Aralia californica is a large herbaceous perennial that dies to the ground each winter and regrows to 4-9 feet (1.2-2.7 m) tall in a single season. From a thick woody rhizome it sends up stout stems bearing very large, twice- to thrice-compound leaves up to 3 feet (90 cm) long, with oval, toothed leaflets 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long. In summer it produces branched clusters of small greenish-white flowers in rounded umbels held above the foliage. The flowers give way to round dark purple to black berries about 0.2 inch (5 mm) wide in late summer and fall. A. californica grows along streambanks, seeps, and moist shaded canyons in California and southwestern Oregon. The thick aromatic rhizome stores energy for rapid spring regrowth. The plant dies back completely with frost and regrows from the rhizome the following spring. Growth is poor in dry soil and full sun.
Native Range
Aralia californica is native to California and southwestern Oregon. It grows along streambanks, springs, seeps, and moist shaded canyons in coastal and foothill woodland.Suggested Uses
Aralia californica is grown in shaded woodland gardens, along ponds and streams, and in moist native plantings, spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) apart. Its bold compound foliage adds a tropical look to shaded borders. The summer flowers and dark berries draw pollinators and birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 9'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in summer, generally June to August. Branched clusters of small greenish-white flowers open in rounded umbels above the foliage. Dark purple to black berries follow and ripen in late summer and fall.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Aralia californica grows in part to full shade in moist, rich, well-drained soil high in organic matter, with a pH from 5.5 to 7.0. It needs steady moisture and the cool, sheltered conditions of a streambank or shaded canyon. From a woody rhizome the plant regrows rapidly each spring and dies back fully with the first hard frost. Plants spread slowly into clumps and can be divided in dormancy. Growth is stunted and leaves scorch in dry soil or full sun. It is hardy in zones 7 to 10.Pruning
Cutting the dead stems to the ground in late fall or winter clears the previous season's growth before spring regrowth. Spent flower and fruit clusters can be removed to limit self-seeding. No other pruning is needed during the growing season.Pruning Schedule
J
F
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A
M
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J
A
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O
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D
fall