California spikenard
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
Before you buy
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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
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California spikenard? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.