Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis)

Family: Araliaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Aralia nudicaulis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring, it is a substitute for sarsaparilla and is also used for making 'root beer'. — The rootstock is used as a flavouring, it is a substitute for sarsaparilla and is also used for making 'root beer'.; It is also used as an emergency food (usually mixed with oil), having a sweet spicy taste and a pleasant aromatic smell.; A nutritious food, it was used by the Indians during wars or when they were hunting since it is very sustaining.; Young shoots - cooked as a potherb.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist, shady, rocky woods. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)