Dwarf-elder
Aralia hispida
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Dwarf-elder? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.