Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis): white Minnesota wildflowers

Wild Sarsaparilla

Pick an image for a larger view. Most image enlargements are 50-100KB, though some may be larger. See the glossary for icon descriptions.

Flower:: Flowers are in round clusters 1 to 2 inches across of white or greenish white flowers. Individual flowers are about 1/8 inch across with 5 petals that curve back and downward. There are 5 white-tipped stamen that protrude from the center. Each plant has a few (usually 3) clusters that branch off a naked stem that arises from the plant base.
Leaves:: Leaves are compound in groups of 3 to 7, on a long stem that arises from the leaf base. Each leaflet is 3 to 5 inches long and 2 inches across, generally oval with a sharply pointed tip and finely toothed edges that may be a little wavy. The leaves tower over the shorter stem of the flowers, hiding them from view.
Fruit:: Fruit is a ¼-inch green berry that ripens to dark purple.