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American Spikenard
Aralia racemosa
PerennialAmerican Spikenard
Aralia racemosa
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Part – Full Shade
Water
Moist – Medium
Soil
Loam
Size
3-5'
Bloom
White/Green, Jun–Aug
Why Grow It
Shade Tolerant
Grows well in partial to full shade
Wildlife Food
Berries & seeds feed birds and wildlife
Fall Color
Showy autumn foliage adds seasonal color
Did You Know?
Creates a bold, tropical look in woodland gardens with its huge compound leaves.
Dark purple berry clusters attract dozens of bird species in late summer.
Root was used in Native American traditional medicine as a cough remedy and poultice.
Wildlife Value
🐦
Berry-loving Birds
Thrushes, catbirds, and other berry-eating birds feast on the fruit
🐝
Woodland Pollinator
Tiny flowers attract small native bees and other woodland pollinators
Good Companions
🌸 Wild Ginger
🌿 Maidenhair Fern
⭐ Black Cohosh
Planting Guide
- Plant in part shade in moist, rich, humus-filled woodland soil
- Space 24–36″ apart; gives a dramatic architectural presence
- Mulch with leaf litter to replicate its natural woodland environment
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li