How much sun does California spikenard need?

California spikenard grows best in part shade conditions.

When does California spikenard bloom?

California spikenard blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is California spikenard native?

California spikenard (Aralia californica) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does California spikenard attract?

California spikenard draws native bees, flies, and butterflies.

California spikenard

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Aralia californica

Last reviewed: September 2026

California spikenard (Aralia californica) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw native bees, flies, and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

California spikenard (Aralia californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

48"–96" H × 48"–72" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

native bees, flies, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A robust, large-leaved herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground each winter and resprouts to an impressive size each spring. It grows along shaded streambanks, producing branched clusters of small white flowers followed by dark purple berries.

Growing California spikenard

Grow California spikenard in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 48 to 96 inches tall and spread 48 to 72 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its flowers attract a wide range of pollinating insects, and the berries are eaten by birds in late summer.

Common questions

How much sun does California spikenard need?: California spikenard grows best in part shade conditions.
When does California spikenard bloom?: California spikenard blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is California spikenard native?: California spikenard (Aralia californica) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does California spikenard attract?: California spikenard draws native bees, flies, and butterflies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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