Spikenard

American Spikenard
Aralia racemosa

Limited Quantities

A bold and architectural native woodland perennial, American Spikenard produces large, compound heart-shaped leaves that create a lush tropical appearance in shaded gardens. In early to mid-summer, branching stems are topped with airy clusters of small greenish-white flowers that attract a wide variety of native pollinators. By late summer, these flowers mature into attractive dark purple to black berries that provide an important food source for birds and other wildlife.

The thick, aromatic roots have long been valued in traditional herbal medicine and were historically used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers. American Spikenard thrives in rich woodland soils, where it adds dramatic texture, height, and ecological value to forest gardens and naturalized landscapes.

Growing Conditions

Height: 3–6 ft
Spread: 2–4 ft
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained woodland soils high in organic matter
Hardiness: Zone 3–8
Growth Rate: Moderate
Prefers cool, consistently moist conditions
Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized forest plantings

Ecological Value

Abundant flowers attract native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects
Dark berries provide an excellent late-season food source for birds and small mammals
Contributes to woodland biodiversity and healthy forest ecosystems
Excellent structural plant for layered woodland habitats

Larval Host Plant For

Supports a variety of native pollinators and beneficial insects.

Companion Species

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum)
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum)
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots

atic root.