Aralia nudicaulis
An inconspicuous plant with large underground rhizomes often covering large areas
Aralia nudicaulis wild sarsaparilla
This plant is a woody vine in disguise - the woody stems are hidden if the leaf litter or slightly underground and what looks like individual plants above ground are actually leaves/flowers of the same vine. Because the woody stems are buried underground, this plant is often mistakenly placed with herbaceous plants. Occasionally, the whole liana may come out from underground and even climb trees exposing its woody structure.
Habitat & Range
Common in dry to moist woods and forest edges.
Present throughout the state.
Wetland codes
EMP: | FACU |
---|---|
NCNE: | FACU |
Phenology
Flowers in May.
Plant Codes
S-rank: S5 (Secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Aralia nudicaulis wild sarsaparilla
Aralia nudicaulis gallery
Plant Life-Form
woody vine
Common Names
wild sarsaparilla
false sarsaparilla
shot bush
small spikenard
wild liquorice