Aralia nudicaulis
wild sarsaparilla
Overview
Aralia nudicaulis is a rhizomatous perennial in the ginseng family, forming open colonies 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) tall from long, horizontal underground stems. Each plant typically produces a single long-stalked leaf divided into three groups of three to five oval, finely toothed leaflets 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, with the whole leaf held above the flowers. The flower stalk is separate and leafless, shorter than the leaf, and carries two or three rounded umbels of small greenish-white flowers in late spring. These give way to round berries 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across that ripen purple-black by midsummer. The species spreads steadily by rhizome to form loose, weed-suppressing ground layers in shade, and the aromatic roots have a long history of use as a flavoring. It establishes slowly and resents disturbance once settled, declining where soil is compacted or dries out. Because each crown bears a single leaf, the colony rather than the individual plant forms the visible cover.
Native Range
Native to North America, ranging across Canada and the northern and eastern United States from Newfoundland to British Columbia and south to the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountain foothills. It grows in moist to dry woodland, usually under a deciduous or mixed forest canopy.Suggested Uses
Used as a deciduous groundcover for shaded woodland gardens and naturalized plantings, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. The colony suppresses weeds beneath trees where lawn will not grow. Its flowers draw early-season bees and the berries feed birds and small mammals.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'8"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Greenish-white flowers open in May and June, shortly after the leaf expands. The umbels last about two weeks. Purple-black berries follow and ripen from July into August.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green, yellow in autumnGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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