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Aralia hispida - Vent.

Common Name Bristly Sarsaparilla
Family Araliaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Rocky or sandy sterile soils, Alberta to Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec[204].
Range Eastern and Central N. America - E. Canada to Virginia, west to Illinois and Minnesota.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Aralia hispida Bristly Sarsaparilla


http://plants.usda.gov/
Aralia hispida Bristly Sarsaparilla
http://flickr.com/photos/34259482@N00

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Aralia hispida is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Drink  Tea

A tea is made from the roots[183]. The roots are also used for making 'root beer'[183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Alterative  Cardiac  Diaphoretic  Diuretic  Tonic

A tea made from the leaves is diaphoretic[222]. The root is alterative and tonic[257]. An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of heart diseases[257]. The bark, and especially the root bark, is diuretic and tonic[4, 222]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh root[4]. It has alterative, diaphoretic and diuretic properties and is considered to be a good treatment for dropsy[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wildlife shelter. Nectary shelter [1-2].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a moderately fertile deep moisture-retentive well-drained loam and a position in semi-shade but also succeeds in a sunny position[200]. Requires a sheltered position[200]. Plants are hardier when grown on poorer soils[200]. This species is especially tolerant of poor dry soils[200]. Prefers an acid soil[184]. Dormant plants are hardy to at least -15°c[184, 200]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. The whole plant has an unpleasant smell[4]. For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. A clumping plant, forming a colony from shoots away from the crown but with a limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is suckering with new plants from underground runners away from the plant [1-2].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 - 5 months of cold stratification. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 4 months at 20°c[134]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Once the plants are 25cm or more tall, they can be planted out into their permanent positions, late spring or early summer being the best time to do this. Root cuttings 8cm long, December in a cold frame[11, 78]. Store the roots upside down in sand and pot up in March/April. High percentage[78]. Division of suckers in late winter[11]. Very easy, the suckers can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

bristly sarsaparilla plant, bristly sarsparilla, dwarf elder, Hairy sarsaparilla.

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Canada, North America[1-4].

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Vent.

Botanical References

200204

Links / References

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