American Spikenard Aralia racemosa

  • Photo © nsferguson, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
  • Photo © Jakob Mueller, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
  • Photo © Matt Demmon, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
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  • Photo © Terry Bonace, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)

About This Plant

A shrub-like perennial that can grow 3-6 feet wide, American spikenard is an uncommon plant. Its clusters of small, white flowers give way to purple berries that birds will eat. It prefers rich, woodland soils, although it can tolerate drought, clay, and rocky soils. It spreads slowly via rhizome and can be difficult to transplant once established.

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