Wild sarsaparilla sprouts up just about everywhere in my woodland garden, even the lawn. This perennial woodland plant is an indicator species of rich moist woodlands, although it seems to be thriving in a more sandy and rocky environment. Aralia nudicaulis sends up a single, long-stalked leaf and flowering stalk from a very short stem. The leafstalk is about 12 inches long and is divided at the top into three parts each bearing about five leaflets. The flowering stalk is now producing flower clusters made up of small white to greenish flowers. The purple-black berries will follow later. It doesn’t look anything like poison ivy, but I’ve heard more than one individual identify Aralia nudicaulis as such. Aside from the fact that the leaf has 3 parts to it, there is nothing to cause alarm.
The root is apparently edible, but not necessarily tasty. Wild sarsaparilla was used to flavor root beer when the actual plant (sarsaparilla) was not available. The berries are similarly edible but not particularly worth the effort.
Aralia nudicaulis flowers May 28 2011
| Scientific name: | Aralia nudicaulis |
| Common name: | wild sarsaparilla |
| Other name: | N/A |
| Bloom time: | late spring to early summer |
| Color: | greenish-white |
| Light requirements: | full sun to full shade |
| Zone: | 3 to 9 |
| Soil: | acidic to neutral |
| Water: | average water needs |
| Origin: | eastern North America |
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