SafePlants

Aralia nudicaulis: Wild Sarsaparilla

Explore the world of Aralia nudicaulis, commonly known as wild sarsaparilla. This intriguing plant has a rich history and interesting ecological role.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the presence of rhizomes, roots, and berries, which might be attractive to pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces berries, which could be tempting for children to eat.

Common Names

• Scientific Name: Aralia nudicaulis
• Common Names: Wild sarsaparilla, false sarsaparilla, shot bush, small spikenard, wild liquorice, rabbit root, Virginian sarsaparilla, American sarsaparilla, rabbit's root.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Araliaceae (Ginseng Family)
• Synonyms: False sarsaparilla, wild sarsaparilla, shot bush, small spikenard, wild liquorice.

Distribution and Habitat

• Aralia nudicaulis is richly distributed in North America, mainly in Canada.
• It is a common woodland plant, often found in forest understories.
• It is a very common plant in Connecticut woods.

Morphological Characteristics

• Wild sarsaparilla is a perennial herb growing to approximately 0.4 meters (1 foot 4 inches) in height and 0.3 meters (1 foot) in width.
• It typically grows to 1-2 feet tall.
• It features a single leaf stalk 30-60 cm tall.
• Leaves are large and round with long, pointed tips, divided into 3 groups of 3-5 leaflets. Leaflets are elongated lance- to egg-shaped, with finely toothed edges.
• The plant produces round clusters (1-2 inches across) of tiny white or greenish 5-petalled flowers.
• It has purple-black berries.
• It features a rhizome with a sweet, aromatic taste. The roots have a flexible woody core, from which a bland-tasting fleshy outer layer can be extracted.

Ecological Role

• Wild sarsaparilla often grows as a ground cover under White Pine.
• It can be mistaken for poison ivy, but lacks a woody base and has fine teeth along the edges of the leaves.

Uses

• The aromatic rhizomes of this plant are used as a substitute for sarsaparilla to make tea and root beer.
• The scented roots were used for tonics and stimulants.
• The roots are edible.

Quirky Facts

• The root bark of wild sarsaparilla has a mildly sweet, spicy taste.
• The fruit of wild sarsaparilla falls, leaving bare umbels behind in the winter.

Additional Resources

• Encyclopedia of Life
• WebMD