American spikenard (Aralia racemosa)
Aralia racemosa, or American spikenard, is a unique rhizomatous perennial perfect for woodland gardens needing low-maintenance interest.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) offers a distinctive, architectural presence in the woodland garden. This shrubby-looking, soft-stemmed herbaceous perennial is prized for its very large, divided compound leaves that create significant visual texture throughout the growing season. Native to moist rich woods across North America, this plant offers significant aesthetic value with minimal fuss once established.
As a rhizomatous perennial, Aralia racemosa slowly spreads over time, developing into attractive thickets ideal for naturalized settings. Its value extends beyond foliage; it produces small, greenish-white flowers in mid-summer followed by dense clusters of dark purple berries highly attractive to local bird populations. Gardeners seeking structure and low maintenance in dappled light will find American spikenard an excellent addition.
Its ease of cultivation and low weed suppression capabilities, thanks to its spreading rhizomes, make Aralia racemosa a superb choice for native plant landscapes or creating deep, shaded borders where other ornamentals might struggle. It embodies elegant, naturalized beauty.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araliaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: North America
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-5 ft
- Spread: 3-5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The best time to establish Aralia racemosa is when planting bare roots or divisions in the early spring or fall. This plant thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. While it tolerates a wide range of soil types, including rocky and clayey ones, it performs best in moist, fertile, humusy loams characteristic of its native woodland habitat.
Water needs for American spikenard are medium; ensure consistent moisture, especially during establishment or dry summer periods. Fertilization is generally unnecessary as this plant is adapted to leaner woodland soils. A crucial cultural note is to site Aralia racemosa where it is sheltered from strong winds, which can damage its large compound leaves.
Maintenance is low. Spring cleanup involves removing any old, dead foliage from the previous season. While easily grown from seed, division is the quickest way to propagate desired plants. The presence of creeping rhizomes means that while it spreads slowly, it may eventually form dense colonies, requiring minimal attention thereafter.
Landscape Uses
The primary recommendation for Aralia racemosa is to naturalize it within woodland gardens or native plant areas where its sprawling, shrubby habit can be appreciated. It excels as a specimen plant or in small groupings, drawing attention to its massive, highly divided foliage, showy flower panicles, and subsequent display of dark fruit.
Consider planting American spikenard in sundappled shade gardens alongside other woodland natives that enjoy similar moisture levels and filtered light, such as ferns, hostas, or trilliums. Its height (3-5 feet) makes it an excellent middle-layer plant, creating a soft, textural backdrop in native border designs.
Because it readily establishes itself and reduces the need for ongoing care once established, it is perfect for larger naturalized areas or slopes where regular maintenance is impractical. The late-season berries are an added benefit for enhancing local wildlife viewing areas.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aralia racemosa, commonly called American spikenard, is a rhizomatous, shrubby-looking, soft-stemmed, herbaceous perennial of the Ginseng family that is native to moist rich woods from Quebec to Manitoba south to Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi and Georgia. Glabrous, freely branching, dark maroon to near black stems rise to 3-5’ tall bearing very large 2-3 pinnate compound leaves divided into numerous coarse oval-rounded leaflets. Small but numerous umbels of tiny greenish-white flowers bloom in long upright terminal panicles in early to mid-summer, followed by dense hanging clusters of dark purple berries attractive to birds.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Aralia racemosa generally presents few serious insect or disease problems, contributing to its low-maintenance profile. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for potential aesthetic issues such as leaf spots which can occasionally appear. Minor pest problems might include occasional infestations of aphids or mealybugs, and monitoring for spider mites is also advisable, particularly in hot, dry conditions. A final practical consideration is that handling the bark and roots may, for some individuals, cause allergic skin reactions, necessitating the use of gloves during pruning or division activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is American spikenard suitable for?
Aralia racemosa is well-suited for planting across USDA Zones 3 through 8, offering reliability across a broad northern and central range.
How large does American spikenard grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a height between 3 and 5 feet, with an equivalent spread of 3 to 5 feet, forming a substantial presence in the garden.
What sun exposure does American spikenard need?
Aralia racemosa establishes best in locations receiving full sun to part shade, though it particularly enjoys the dappled light found beneath tree canopies.
When does American spikenard bloom?
The plant flowers between June and August. The blooms are small but numerous, described as greenish-white, preceding the attractive dark purple fruit clusters.
Conclusion
The American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a magnificent, undemanding perennial, lending bold, textural structure ideal for naturalized native gardens. With its tolerance for varied soils and low maintenance requirements, this plant is highly recommended for gardeners seeking authentic woodland aesthetics. Before planting, confirm that your location falls within USDA Zones 3-8 and offers sufficient moisture.
Wildlife Benefits
The dense hanging clusters of dark purple berries that follow the summer blooms provide an excellent late-season food source for local wild birds. This makes the Aralia racemosa a key component in creating a functional wildlife corridor within your landscape. Planting American spikenard specifically targets avian visitors during the late summer and early fall transition periods.
Propagation Tips
Aralia racemosa is straightforward to propagate, making it easy to increase your stock or share with others. Propagation can successfully be achieved via seeds, which will require patience for germination. For quicker results, the plant can be propagated through division of its creeping rhizomes or via root cuttings taken during the dormant season. Ensure divisions retain healthy root mass and adequate buds for successful reestablishment.
