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.

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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