Native Plant Trust

Aralia nudicaulis

wild sarsaparilla

Typical of Northern hardwood forests, wild sarsparilla is often overlooked by woodland walkers or conflated with poison ivy. This understory perennial produces clusters of white flowers beneath the leaves, giving way to a surprising dark berry in late summer.

Return to Plant Search Home


Height: 12-24 in
Spread: 12-18 in
Hardiness Zone: 3-8


Bloom Color: White

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Species
Exposure
Sun
Part Shade
Soil Moisture
Dry
Ecoregion
(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
(82) Acadian Plains and Hills
(58) Northeastern Highlands
(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
Ornamental Interest
Fall/Winter Fruit
Summer Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Tolerance
Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Additional Attributes
Low Maintenance
Landscape Use
Naturalize
Specimen
Attractive Fall Foliage and/or Ornamental Fruit
Blue Fruit
Growth Habit
Spreading/Suckering


North American Distribution


photo by Dan Jaffe (c) Native Plant Trust
photo by Dan Jaffe (c) Native Plant Trust
photo by Dan Jaffe (c) Native Plant Trust
photo by Dan Jaffe (c) Native Plant Trust
Alber Bussewitz (c) Native Plant Trust
Albert Bussewitz (c) Native Plant Trust