How much sun does Dwarf-elder need?

Dwarf-elder grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Dwarf-elder bloom?

Dwarf-elder blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Dwarf-elder native?

Dwarf-elder (Aralia hispida) is native to CT, IL, IN, MA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Dwarf-elder attract?

Dwarf-elder draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Dwarf-elder HOA-friendly?

Dwarf-elder takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Dwarf-elder

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Aralia hispida

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Dwarf-elder (Aralia hispida) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, IL, IN, MA and 15 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Aralia hispida is a compact native shrub that forms small colonies through underground stems. It produces clusters of small white flowers in summer followed by dark purple berries, and has attractive compound leaves that turn yellow in fall.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dwarf-elder takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Spreads by underground stems creating irregular patches
Can appear weedy or wild due to bristly stems
May look sparse or unkempt compared to traditional landscaping

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies. The berries provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Dwarf-elder need?: Dwarf-elder grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Dwarf-elder bloom?: Dwarf-elder blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Dwarf-elder native?: Dwarf-elder (Aralia hispida) is native to CT, IL, IN, MA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Dwarf-elder attract?: Dwarf-elder draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Dwarf-elder HOA-friendly?: Dwarf-elder takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Dwarf-elder? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz