Wild Sarsaparilla
Aralia nudicaulis
Also known as American-sarsaparilla, Rabbitroot, Small-spikenard
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing woodland perennial with delicate greenish flowers followed by red berries that ripen to black. The aromatic roots have been historically used for flavoring beverages.
Why grow it
Wild sarsaparilla establishes more readily than many woodland groundcovers in acidic, humus-rich soils where other Aralia species struggle. Its shallow root system and slow spread make it less aggressive than some native alternatives, allowing finer control in mixed understory plantings. The black berries support wildlife through fall, and the plant requires minimal intervention once established in appropriate shade.
Watch out for
Establishment can be slow, particularly in the first two growing seasons, so patience is needed before the plant develops a vigorous root system. In cultivation, consistent moisture during dry spells improves survival rates; transplanted divisions appreciate mulch to maintain soil conditions similar to woodland settings. Propagation by seed requires cold stratification and may take several seasons to mature into harvestable plants.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Araliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing woodland perennial with delicate greenish flowers followed by red berries that ripen to black. The aromatic roots have been historically used for flavoring beverages.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Wild Sarsaparilla grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Wild sarsaparilla establishes more readily than many woodland groundcovers in acidic, humus-rich soils where other Aralia species struggle. Its shallow root system and slow spread make it less aggressive than some native alternatives, allowing finer control in mixed understory plantings. The black berries support wildlife through fall, and the plant requires minimal intervention once established in appropriate shade.
Watch out for
Establishment can be slow, particularly in the first two growing seasons, so patience is needed before the plant develops a vigorous root system. In cultivation, consistent moisture during dry spells improves survival rates; transplanted divisions appreciate mulch to maintain soil conditions similar to woodland settings. Propagation by seed requires cold stratification and may take several seasons to mature into harvestable plants.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Araliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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