Flora of Pennsylvania

Aralia racemosa

Aralia racemosa American spikenard

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA Add to MyPlants

American spikenard is a spreading shrub-like perennial herb found in moist deciduous forests and along forest edges.  At the end of summer, spikenard produces showy clusters of red berries turning dark purple when fully ripened.  In spite of its somewhat woody base, spikenard dies off at the end of the season and so is not considered a shrub.

Grows in rich woods, thickets and along forest edges. Prefers shade.

Present throughout the state.

Range:  Quebec to Manitoba, south to Georgia and Mexico, west to South Dakota.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACU
NCNE: FACU



Flowers June & July.

Flowers  tiny, green, in clusters on branched stalks

Inflorescence  large terminal panicle of many small umbels

Leaves  twice compound; with ovate, doubly serrate leaflets up to 6 inches long

Fruit   red when starting to mature, turning dark purple when fully ripe; berry-like drupes

Height  up to 7 feet

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

Native Americans made tea from the pleasantly scented roots for variety of medicinal uses.

The berries are a food source for some song birds, small mammals and bears.

Aralia racemosa American spikenard

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Aralia racemosa gallery
Plant Life-Form
perennial forb
Common Names
American spikenard Indian root American sarsaparilla