Minnesota Wildflowers


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Aralia nudicaulis (Wild Sarsaparilla)

Plant Info
Also known as:
Genus:Aralia
Family:Araliaceae (Ginseng)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, shade; woods
Bloom season:May - June
Plant height:8 to 24 inches
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 5-petals round

[photo of flowers] 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 stamens 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: basal compound

[photo of 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:

[photo of fruit] Fruit is a ¼-inch green berry that ripens to dark purple.

Where to buy native seed and plants

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  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN and Wild River State Park, Center City, MN May-June 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Betty M
on: 2009-06-14 19:43:30

I have a lot of these in the yard of my cabin in Hovland, Cook County. I finally identified them this weekend when they were blooming. Unlike the pictures posted here, their leaves have a reddish hue against their background of aster leaves.

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