About Aralia nudicaulis L.
Species Introduction
Aralia nudicaulis L. is a herbaceous perennial plant with creeping underground stems.
Spring Leaf Emergence
In spring, these underground stems produce large, finely toothed compound leaves.
Stem and Leaf Arrangement
The plant's main stem grows straight upward from the ground, then divides into a whorl of three pinnately compound leaves, with 3 to 7 leaflets (most often 5) arranged along a central stalk.
Compound Leaf Terminology
Technically, all leaflets on a single plant count as one entire compound leaf, and the stems connecting the leaflets are called rachises; this overall arrangement is described as doubly compound.
Triply Compound Leaf Variation
In some cases, some leaflets are fully further subdivided to create a triply compound pattern.
Leaflet Morphology
The leaflets themselves are green, ovate, pointed at the tip, and serrated along the edges.
Flower Stalk Characteristics
Tiny white flowers grow on tall flower stalks called scapes that reach roughly the same height as the leaves, around 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall.
Flower Cluster Traits
The flowers typically form three globe-shaped clusters 4–5 cm (1+1⁄2–2 in) wide.
Flowering and Fruit Development
Flowering occurs from May to July, after which the flowers develop into purple-black edible berries.
Leaf Dormancy Timing
The leaves go dormant in summer before the fruits ripen.
Berry Flavor and Edibility
The berries have a slightly spicy and sweet flavor, and while they can be eaten, they are considered unexceptional.
Root Uses
The roots of Aralia nudicaulis have been used as a substitute for true sarsaparilla (Smilax sp.) in herbal medicine.
Eastern North American Habitat
This species is very common in certain ecosystems, acting as an indicator species for Eastern North American forests including the northern hardwood forest, beech–maple forest, and oak–hickory forest.
British Columbia Habitat
It is also common in the interior cedar–hemlock forest ecosystem of central and southern British Columbia.
