Indianroot
Aralia racemosa
Last reviewed: July 2026
Aralia racemosa (American Spikenard) is a native perennial forb found across eastern North America that produces clusters of small white flowers from June through August. This shade-tolerant plant attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles to woodland gardens.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Indianroot is a tall, stately native perennial that forms an upright clump with large compound leaves and small white flowers in summer. This woodland plant thrives in partially shaded areas and adds bold texture to naturalized gardens. The flowers give way to dark purple berries that are attractive to wildlife.
Growing Indianroot
Grow Indianroot in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Indianroot 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.
- Very large size may appear overgrown
- Informal wild appearance
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles for nectar and pollen. Birds enjoy the dark berries in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- Where does Aralia racemosa naturally grow?
- American Spikenard is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Minnesota, growing in rich woodland soils.
- When does American Spikenard bloom?
- Aralia racemosa typically flowers from June through August, producing small white flowers arranged in branched clusters above the foliage.
- What pollinators visit American Spikenard flowers?
- The small white flowers of Aralia racemosa attract various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles during the summer blooming period.
- What growing conditions does American Spikenard prefer?
- This woodland native thrives in partial to full shade with consistently moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, making it ideal for naturalized shade gardens.
- Is Indianroot HOA-friendly?
- Indianroot 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 Indianroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz