American spikenard
Aralia racemosa

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A shrub that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1-2.2 m high and spreads 60 cm to 2 m wide. The roots have an aroma. The leaves are compound and 75 cm long. The flowers are small and green-white. They are in flattened heads. The fruit are purple-brown.

There are about 40-55 Aralia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Canada, Central America, Europe, India, Mexico, North America (country/location of origin), Northeastern India, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The roots are used as an ingredient in root beer. It gives a licorice flavour. The berries are made into jelly. The young leaves are eaten boiled and added to soups.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, root, flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chimchawk, Pettymorrel

Synonyms

Aralia racemosa var. foliosa Vict. & Rousseau;