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American Spikenard
This native woodland perennial enriches shade gardens by providing nectar-rich flowers and berries valued by wildlife. American Spikenard helps create diverse, resilient ecosystems while adding dramatic foliage and natural beauty.
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Product information
Product
identification
identification
Common nameAmerican Spikenard
Latin nameAralia racemosa
FamilyAraliaceae
TypeNative perennial
CyclePerennial
Quantity per packMinimum 50 seeds
Code produitAKENE-0004
Product
description
description
American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a striking native woodland perennial prized for its bold tropical-looking foliage, airy clusters of greenish-white flowers, and rich ecological value. Easy to grow from American Spikenard seeds, this impressive native plant reaches 1 to 2 m (3.3 to 6.5 ft) tall and creates a dramatic architectural presence in shade gardens, woodland borders, and naturalized landscapes.
Native to eastern North America, Aralia racemosa thrives in light shade to partial shade and grows best in rich, humus-filled loamy soils that remain consistently moist. During summer, its abundant flower clusters attract a wide variety of native bees and other beneficial pollinators. By late summer and autumn, the flowers give way to attractive purple-black berries that provide an important food source for birds and wildlife while extending seasonal interest.
American Spikenard is an outstanding native perennial for woodland gardens, pollinator habitats, and ecological landscapes. Hardy to -40°C (-40°F), it requires little maintenance once established and contributes significantly to biodiversity while adding lush texture and natural beauty to shaded gardens.
Sowing
guide
guide
Sowing periodAutumn or spring after cold stratification
Best time
Spring or autumn
Sowing depth5 mm
Spacing / density
90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in)
Germination temperature18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)
Germination time30 to 90 days
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division, or root cuttings.
Growing
method
method
Sow American Spikenard seeds after a prolonged period of cold stratification to break their natural dormancy. Use a rich, humus-filled, well-drained growing medium while maintaining consistent moisture throughout germination. Germination may be slow and irregular, requiring patience. Transplant seedlings into a light shade to partial shade location that resembles a natural woodland environment. Once established, this impressive native perennial forms a large clump of lush foliage that attracts beneficial insects and enriches woodland ecosystems. An annual application of compost promotes vigorous long-term growth.
Soil
and care
and care
ExposureLight shade to partial shade
Soil
Rich, loamy soil that remains consistently moist. Organic matter promotes vigorous, long-lasting growth.
Soil pH5.5 to 7.0
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil cool and consistently moist throughout the growing season.
Fertilization
A yearly application of compost or woodland leaf mold is generally sufficient to maintain vigorous growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage excessive foliage at the expense of flowering.
Care levelModerate
In spring, remove the previous year's dry stems and apply a layer of woodland compost around the plants. Maintain cool, moist soil during hot weather with an organic mulch. Water during extended dry periods to prevent moisture stress. Leave the berries in place through autumn to feed birds. Once established in suitable conditions, American Spikenard requires very little maintenance.
Container
growing
growing
Recommended pot size
30 to 50 L
American Spikenard can be grown in a large, deep container filled with an organic-rich growing mix that remains consistently moist. This woodland perennial performs best in light shade to partial shade, where conditions resemble its natural forest habitat. A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations. Growing in containers allows gardeners to enjoy its lush foliage on shaded patios while supporting local biodiversity.
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
harvest
and garden
Its lush foliage and ability to thrive in shaded conditions make American Spikenard an outstanding choice for woodland gardens. It also attracts pollinators and supports local biodiversity.
This native woodland perennial enriches shade gardens by providing nectar-rich flowers and berries valued by wildlife. American Spikenard helps create diverse, resilient ecosystems while adding dramatic foliage and natural beauty.
Garden use
American Spikenard is perfect for woodland gardens, naturalized shade gardens, and ecological landscapes. Its bold foliage creates a striking architectural presence while its summer flowers attract beneficial insects. Decorative berries extend seasonal interest and provide food for birds. It combines beautifully with ferns, Black Cohosh, Bloodroot, and other native woodland perennials.
American Spikenard is an excellent native perennial for woodland restoration projects, forest gardens, rain gardens, wildlife gardens, pollinator habitats, and naturalized landscapes.
As a native species of eastern North America, American Spikenard plays an important role in supporting woodland biodiversity. Its nectar-rich flowers provide food for native bees and beneficial insects, while its late-season berries sustain numerous bird species and small mammals.
American Spikenard is an excellent native perennial for woodland restoration projects, forest gardens, rain gardens, wildlife gardens, pollinator habitats, and naturalized landscapes.
As a native species of eastern North America, American Spikenard plays an important role in supporting woodland biodiversity. Its nectar-rich flowers provide food for native bees and beneficial insects, while its late-season berries sustain numerous bird species and small mammals.
Bloom period
Summer flowering attracts a wide diversity of native bees and beneficial pollinating insects.
Flower colorGreenish white
Foliage colorGreen
Harvest
August to September
Fruiting
Purple to black berries
Wildlife appealPollinators
Size
and facts
and facts
Height1 to 2 m (3.3 to 6.5 ft)
Spread90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in)
Growth rateModerate
Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8
Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)
Foliage typeDeciduous
Papillonstrue
Insectes utilestrue
Planting
partners
partners
Good companions
Black Cohosh, Bloodroot, Large-flowered Bellwort, Cinnamon Fern
Avoid planting with
Lavender, Thyme, Russian Sage, Cotton Lavender
Recipe
and inspiration
and inspiration
Young shoots and some plant parts have traditionally been used for food and medicinal purposes, although the aromatic roots are the most historically significant. The berries are valued primarily as a food source for wildlife rather than for modern culinary use. Today, American Spikenard is grown mainly for its ecological, ornamental, and traditional ethnobotanical value, making it an excellent addition to woodland gardens featuring edible and medicinal native plants.
Frequently asked questions
American Spikenard seeds can be sown in autumn or in spring after a period of cold stratification. Natural dormancy often slows germination, making stratification highly beneficial.
American Spikenard grows at a moderate rate and typically reaches full maturity after several years when grown under favorable woodland conditions.
Yes. This species is especially well adapted to woodland gardens and shaded landscapes, where it develops lush ornamental foliage.
Yes. The berries provide an important food source for many bird species and contribute to the biodiversity of native woodland gardens.
Yes. Its impressive size, shade tolerance, and native woodland character make American Spikenard an outstanding choice for woodland gardens, ecological landscapes, and naturalized plantings.
The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.
