// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

American spikenard

Aralia racemosa

American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO. Hardy in zones 2b–10b. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Jun–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 38 U.S. states, including AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–10b
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Bloom: Jun–Jul
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) — *Aralia racemosa* — American spikenard. Photo by Urban via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO. Hardy in zones 2b–10b. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Jun–Jul.

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, american spikenard pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa).