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American Spikenard

Aralia Racemosa

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Overview

The American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a deciduous perennial native to North America. Reaching up to 3-4 feet tall with a similar spread, it features large, compound leaves and small, greenish-white flowers arranged in showy, compound racemes in summer, followed by dark purple berries. Thrives in partial shade to full shade and prefers moist, fertile soil. Noted for its striking foliage and berry display, it adds a lush, woodland aesthetic.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 3–9Climate Temperate

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
3–9

Shape & size

Mature height
3–5 Ft.
Mature width
3–5 Ft.

Classification

Family
Araliaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (72)

American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — The American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a deciduous perennial native to North America
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — greenish-white flowers arranged in showy
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — Reaching up to 3-4 feet tall with a similar spread
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — compound racemes in summer
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — Noted for its striking foliage and berry display, it adds a lush, woodland aesthetic
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — is a deciduous perennial plant native to the rich woodlands of Eastern North America
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — commonly known as American Spikenard
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — followed by dark purple berries
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — Thrives in partial shade to full shade and prefers moist, fertile soil
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — making it an excellent background plant in shaded garden areas or naturalized woodland settings
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — coarse texture in the landscape.<br><br>Reaching an average height of 3 to 5 feet with a similar spread
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — white to greenish flowers in feathery racemes
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — shade-tolerant herbaceous species that belongs to the Araliaceae family
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — the American Spikenard presents a lush
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — which are also a food source for birds.<br><br>For optimal growth
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — Aralia racemosa requires moist
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — These blossoms are attractive to pollinators and give way to ornamental
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — dark purple berries in the fall
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — which can grow up to 8 inches long
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — and it prefers partial to full shade conditions
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — well-drained soil enriched with organic matter
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — When considering its placement, ensure enough space is provided for its mature size
American Spikenard (Aralia Racemosa) — providing both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits

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