Aralia racemosa or “American Spikenard” is a stout, shrub-like perennial that is native to North America. Easily grown in well-drained to moist soils, Aralia racemosa features large rounded bright green leaves with ruffled edges that grow along thick, dark-brown stems. Aralia racemosa typically blooms during mid-summer and features a vibrant display of hanging clusters of dense, inedible berries that mature from white to dark purple.
Roots are traditionally used for medicinal purposes and has even been used in the making of “root beer”. Aralia racemosa receives plenty of attention from local songbirds and is deer resistant. Drought resistant once this plant is established, displaying its strongest blooms with minimal sunlight.
