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American spikenard
Scientific Name: Aralia racemosa
Family: Araliaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa)
American Spikenard, scientifically known as Aralia racemosa, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It is also known by several common names, including small spikenard, Indian root, spice berry, spignet, life-of-man, and petty morel.
Considerations for Pets
- American Spikenard is a soft-stemmed plant.
Considerations for Children
- The plant produces berries that one source described as "excellently delicious fruit." However, it's important to properly identify any wild berries before consumption.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aralia racemosa L.
- Family: Araliaceae (Ginseng Family)
- Synonyms: Spignet, Life of Man, Pettymorell, Old Man's Root
- Subspecies: Aralia racemosa ssp. racemosa
Distribution and Habitat
- American Spikenard is found in North America.
- Specifically, it grows in rich woodlands and thickets.
- In New England, it is commonly found in moist deciduous forests.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- It is a rhizomatous, shrubby-looking herbaceous perennial.
- The plant typically reaches a height of 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters).
- It features a thick, fleshy rootstock with long, thick roots.
- American Spikenard exhibits large, compound leaves, sometimes described as "tropical looking".
- It has numerous flower umbels in large clusters of greenish to white flowers, approximately 1/8-inch in size.
- Showy dark purple berries appear in the fall.
Traditional and Modern Uses
- Historically, the root was used by Native Americans and herbalists as a medicine for lung infections, such as coughs, catarrh, and tuberculosis.
- Spikenard root has a mild, pleasant licorice-like flavor and has been used as a substitute.
- Spikenard root tea is a traditional American folk medicine treatment.
- The plant is grown from herb seeds as an ornamental plant.
- It is also used in homeopathic preparations.
Quirky Facts
- One source describes American Spikenard as being like "one long poem."
- The plant was once colloquially called "petty morrel" in the colonies.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The plant is described as hardy and summer-flowering.
- The berries are said to be consumed by Dakota from Missi to Georgia in late summer.
Further Information
- More information can be found by searching eNature's database of America's plants and animals.
- Patient medical information is available on WebMD.
- Information can also be found at Dave's Garden and the RHS.