California Spikenard
(Aralia californica)
California Spikenard (Aralia californica)
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Jon Lee
Public Domain
Image By:
Jon Lee
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jon Lee | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Jon Lee | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-07-25T17:49:40Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aralia californica, commonly known as California Spikenard, is a deciduous, herbaceous perennial plant native to the understory of moist, mixed coniferous forests and streambanks in the western United States, particularly in California and Oregon. It can grow to a height of 2–3 meters on thick, non-woody stems. The plant features large compound racemes of umbels 30–45 cm in diameter at the stem apex, with greenish-white flowers that are 2–3 mm in diameter. These flowers bloom in the late spring to early summer and are moderately showy, attracting pollinators. The flowers mature into small, dark purple or black fruit, each berry being 3–5 mm in diameter and containing 3–5 seeds. The berries are a food source for birds.
California Spikenard is valued for its lush foliage and clusters of flowers that can add a naturalistic feel to shaded garden areas. It is often used in restoration plantings and as an understory plant in woodland gardens. This species is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and prefers medium to moist soils with good drainage. While it is not drought-tolerant, it can thrive with regular watering. Gardeners should note that Aralia californica can spread via root suckers, potentially becoming aggressive in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
California Spikenard is valued for its lush foliage and clusters of flowers that can add a naturalistic feel to shaded garden areas. It is often used in restoration plantings and as an understory plant in woodland gardens. This species is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and prefers medium to moist soils with good drainage. While it is not drought-tolerant, it can thrive with regular watering. Gardeners should note that Aralia californica can spread via root suckers, potentially becoming aggressive in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-9 feet
- Width: 3-9 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Moist, mixed coniferous forests and streambanks in the western United States
Other Names
Common Names: Elk Clover , California Aralia , Kalifornia-Aralia
Scientific Names: Aralia californica , Aralia californica var. acuminata , Aralia racemosa var. occidentalis
GBIF Accepted Name: Aralia californica S.Watson