Wild Sarsaparilla

Scientific name

Aralia nudicaulis

Description

Wild Sarsaparilla is a perennial species that grows up to 50 cm tall. The leaves are compound with 3-7 leaflets each. Leaflets are oval in shape, have finely serrated margins, and a sharply pointed tip. Numerous small greenish-white flowers are arranged in a circular umbel and bloom late spring to early summer. The fruits produced are small blueish-black berries that are consumed by songbirds and small mammals.

Planting conditions

Wild Sarsaparilla grows best in normal to moist conditions and prefers sand, loam, or rocky soils. It prefers neutral to acidic soils that are moderate to rich in nutrients, but will tolerate nutritionally poor soil. Wild Sarsaparilla is an understory species and prefers to grow in shade or partial shade. It is commonly found in woodlands, thickets, and along stream banks.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 50 cm
• Spread:
  • 50 cm