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.
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Native woodland plant
Araliaceae
Native woodland perennials
American Spikenard – Aralia racemosa
Aralia racemosa
American spikenard is a large native shade perennial with lush, architectural foliage. Its flowers attract pollinators, its fruit feeds birds and its generous habit provides natural structure in Canadian woodland gardens.
Quantity
Minimum 50 seeds
Exposure
Light shade to partial shade
Hardiness
Zones 3 to 8
Difficulty level
Moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Araliaceae
Genus
Aralia
Species
racemosa
Cultivar
Type
Native woodland plant
Cycle
Perennial
American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a large native woodland perennial that brings a lush, architectural presence to shaded gardens. Its broad habit, formed by branching stems and large divided green leaves, develops into a generous clump 1 to 2 m tall. From June to July, small greenish-white flowers appear in airy clusters above the foliage. Though visually subtle, the blooms attract several pollinating insects. Purple to nearly black fruit follows later in the season and extends ornamental interest. Hardy to Zone 3, this deciduous perennial is well adapted to Canadian woodland gardens and creates impressive height without the permanent woody framework of a shrub.
American spikenard prefers light shade or partial shade in rich, humus-filled, loamy soil that remains moist but drains adequately. A mulch of shredded leaves or woodland compost helps conserve moisture and reproduce natural forest-floor conditions. Seeds may be sown outdoors in fall or after an extended period of cold stratification, at a depth of approximately 5 mm. Germination may be slow and uneven, requiring patience and consistent moisture. Once established, the plant mainly needs watering during drought, an annual application of compost and removal of dry stems in spring. Avoid hot, exposed locations and soils that dry rapidly during the growing season.
In the garden, American spikenard suits naturalized woodland areas, forest gardens, shaded borders and ecological landscapes where substantial volume is desired. It combines naturally with black cohosh, bloodroot, large-flowered bellwort, ferns and cinnamon fern. Its flowers support bees and other beneficial insects, while its fruit is used by several bird species. Some plant parts have a history of traditional use, but the species is now grown primarily for ornamental and ecological value. It should not be consumed without reliable identification and appropriate expertise. Its bold foliage is especially effective behind shorter woodland perennials, where it creates a layered and natural-looking planting.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
5 mm
Spacing / density
90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in)
Establishment temperature
18 to 22°C after stratification
Establishment time
Slow germination after alternating warm and cold periods; may take 12 to 24 months
Best planting time
Spring or autumn
Propagation
Seeds, division or root cuttings
Growing 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
The right conditions.
Exposure
Light shade to partial shade
Soil pH
5.5 to 7.0
Hardiness zone
Zones 3 to 8
Minimum temperature
Approximately -40°C
Watering
Regular; keep soil moist during active growth
Soil type
Rich, humus-filled, loamy, moist and well-drained
Fertilization
Compost or woodland soil amendment in spring
Seasonal care
In spring, cut back the previous year’s dry stems before new shoots emerge. Apply mature compost or decomposed leaves around the clump without covering the crown. During summer, maintain moist soil with organic mulch and water deeply through extended drought. Avoid cultivating close to the base because root disturbance can damage the plant. Late in the season, leave the fruit for birds and allow the foliage to yellow naturally. Divide only well-established plants when their size becomes excessive or when the centre loses vigour. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizer, which may encourage overly soft growth and reduce the plant’s balanced woodland character.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
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 and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Greenish white
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Herbaceous deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom period
June to July
Fruiting
Purple to black fruit in clusters
Maximum height
Approximately 2 m
Maximum width
Approximately 120 cm
Harvest
August to September
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Black cohosh, bloodroot, large-flowered bellwort, ferns and cinnamon fern
Avoid planting with
Lavender, thyme, Russian sage and cotton lavender
Forest garden, woodland, shaded border and biodiversity
From the garden to inspiration.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
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.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
