Aralia racemosa

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 3 to 7, 36-60" x 36", part shade, greenish-white flower in mid-summer, purple berry in fall, consistent to moderate moisture in fertile woodland soils, tolerant of rocky or clay soils, drought tolerant in the most shade

Common names: American Spikenard, Small Spikenard, Indian Root, Spice Berry, Spignet, Life-of-Man, Petty Morel

Family: Araliaceae

Origin/Distribution: Eastern North America, native to Maine

Habitat: Medium to moist, rich, woods, sheltered slopes and ravines, thickets, open woods and sun-dappled places

More: Berries attract birds. The aromatic root has been used medicinally as well as to flavor root beer. Deer resistant. The flowering racemes and berried branches are very attractive as is it's open, but architectural habit. I wonder if it makes a good cut for the vase. These plants were grown from seed collected in New England. Although not a shrub, Aralia racemosa has an open, wide-branching habit and a handsome shrub-like appearance. It makes an excellent understory transition from lower-growing perennials to the tree layer.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Photo credits: Frank Meuschke of Shelterwood Gardens; also Wikimedia Commons