SafePlants

Bristly Sarsaparilla

Bristly Sarsaparilla, scientifically known as Aralia hispida, is a native perennial wildflower found in eastern North America. It is also known as dwarf elder or wild elder.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant's name derives from the bristles found on its lower stems, which could be a consideration for curious pets.
• The plant produces black fruit (berries).
• The stems may persist for several years and become woody.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's name derives from the bristles found on its lower stems, which could be a consideration for curious children.
• The plant produces black fruit (berries).
• The stems may persist for several years and become woody.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aralia hispida
• Common Name: Bristly Sarsaparilla, dwarf elder, wild elder
• Genus: Aralia
• Species: hispida
• Family: Araliaceae (Ginseng Family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern North America, including all New England states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire).
• Found in sandy fields, balds, woodlands, roadsides, and rocky woods.
• Also observed on rock outcrops, dry sandy soils, and in the Georgian Bay area of Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada.

Morphological Characteristics

• Deciduous shrub, growing up to 1 meter (3ft 3in) in height.
• Stems may develop into a short, bristly woody trunk, rarely reaching 0.5 m high.
• Flowers are greenish-white, small, and numerous, arranged in 2-10 rounded terminal clusters.
• Each flower has 5 petals that bend backwards.

Flowering Period

• Flowers typically bloom from May to June.

Traditional Uses

• Historically, a tea made from the leaves has been used. Rafinesque noted that Hispida has similar uses to other plants in the family.
• Medicinal bark having properties like those of sarsaparilla.

Quirky Facts

• The species name, hispida, comes from the Latin word "hispidus," meaning "rough, shaggy, or bristly," referring to the bristles on the lower stems.
• Aralia nudicaulis (Wild Sarsaparilla) is a distinct species that is easily differentiated from Aralia hispida.

Hardiness

• Hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender.