// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Wild sarsaparilla

Aralia nudicaulis

Wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes MO — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 2a–9a. Mature size 6"–2'. Blooms May–Jun.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 35 U.S. states, including CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2a–9a
Mature size: 6"–2'
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Bloom: May–Jun
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis) — *Aralia nudicaulis* — Wild sarsaparilla. Photo by Hardyplants at English Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, wild sarsaparilla pairs naturally with: Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra), Great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), Texan great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida var. texana), Great ragweed (Ambrosia trifida var. trifida).