(Aralia racemosa)
Here in southern Maine, this is a rare plant, but it’s related to its much more common cousin, Sarsaparilla. Both these plants have a unique root beer like flavor, but I find American Spikenard fruit to have a very complex flavor similar to a spicy cola candy.
It grows in shady, fertile woodlands and is one of the largest herbaceous plants in the region, growing upwards of 4 ft tall and wide. The flowers attract all manner of insects and the berries are also a popular snack for wildlife. In the winter, this plant will die back to the ground, but always come back with vigor in the early spring. This unusual plant is well worth adding to a shady garden edge or even a local woodland.
Hardiness: Zone 3-7
Soil: Average to slightly wet
Light: Part sun to full shade
(Aralia racemosa)
Here in southern Maine, this is a rare plant, but it’s related to its much more common cousin, Sarsaparilla. Both these plants have a unique root beer like flavor, but I find American Spikenard fruit to have a very complex flavor similar to a spicy cola candy.
It grows in shady, fertile woodlands and is one of the largest herbaceous plants in the region, growing upwards of 4 ft tall and wide. The flowers attract all manner of insects and the berries are also a popular snack for wildlife. In the winter, this plant will die back to the ground, but always come back with vigor in the early spring. This unusual plant is well worth adding to a shady garden edge or even a local woodland.
Hardiness: Zone 3-7
Soil: Average to slightly wet
Light: Part sun to full shade
