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Araliaceae
American Spikenard
Aralia racemosa
Woodland wisdom.
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Genus
- Aralia
- Native to
- Eastern North America, Appalachian Mountains
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- perennial
- Height
- 3-6 ft
- Sunlight
- part shade to full shade
- Soil
- Moist, rich, well-drained forest soil
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 3-8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- American Spikenard produces clusters of dark purple berries that were used to make wine and jelly by early settlers.
- The aromatic root was one of the most important medicinal plants for many Native American tribes.
- It is a member of the ginseng family and shares some of ginseng's reputation as a tonic herb.
- The plant's large compound leaves can span over 2 feet across, creating a dramatic tropical appearance.
- Bears actively seek out and eat the ripe berries in fall, helping to disperse the seeds through forests.
Color meanings
0
healing
1
protection