Aralia nudicaulis

An inconspicuous plant with large underground rhizomes often covering large areas

Aralia nudicaulis wild sarsaparilla

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA

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.

Common in dry to moist woods and forest edges.

Present throughout the state.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACU
NCNE: FACU



Flowers in May.

S-rank:  S5 (Secure)
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

Aralia nudicaulis wild sarsaparilla

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Aralia nudicaulis gallery
Plant Life-Form
woody vine
Common Names
wild sarsaparilla false sarsaparilla shot bush small spikenard wild liquorice