Search Level: Standard
Search Term(s): Aralia racemosa   (1 record found)

ARALIACEAE
Ginseng Family
Aralia racemosa  (American spikenard)   
[ + ]
Synonym
--
Carex Section
--
Meaning of Scientific Name
Aralia: Latinized form of old French-Candian name for Aralie; racemosa: having racemes (a type of flower cluster)
Native Plant
Yes
Life Form
Perennial Herb
Phenology (Flowering Period)
May
Physiographic Province
☑ Piedmont
☑ Coastal Plain

County Distribution
☑ New Castle
☑ Kent
☐ Sussex

Habitat
Rich woodlands; primarily of the Piedmont, rare on the Coastal Plain
State Status
Uncommon
Piedmont Status
Uncommon
Coastal Plain Status
Rare
Global Rank
--
Federal Status
--
Geographic Affinity
--
Species at Limit of Distribution
☐ Northern
☐ Southern

North American Distribution (Non-indigenous Species)
--
Coefficient of Conservatism
8
Invasive
--
Invasive Watchlist
--
Global Origin (Non-native Species)
--
Wildlife Values
Fruits occasionally eaten by Wood Thrush, White-Throated Sparrow, and various mammals; host plant for Papaipema araliae (Aralia Shoot Borer Moth); flowers are an important pollen and nectar source for bees.
Medicinal Properties
Part used: Root. Used internally as tea or tincture for irritation of the upper respiratory tract with excess mucus, arthritis, gout, gouty arthritis, pelvic stagnation and to stimulate slow labor. Topically used as a poultice or linament for sprains, strains, bruises, decubitus ulcers, and cuts.
ID Notes
--
Additional Info
--
Habitats in which this plant occurs
Tuliptree Rich Wood (Piedmont)
Tuliptree Rich Wood (Coastal Plain)
Photos     [show|hide]

(click on thumbnail for larger view)