American Spikenard(Aralia racemosa), proposed by Akène
🌿 A majestic native plant with multiple virtues 🌿
The aralia is a perennial herb native to Quebec that can reach 1 meter in height . Its lush foliage , composed of large, finely cut leaves, creates a striking ornamental effect. In June and July , it produces small greenish flowers in umbels , very popular with pollinators . In late summer, these turn into clusters of dark purple berries , which attract a multitude of birds and add a touch of color to the garden.
🌱 Ideal for shaded and slightly humid environments , the aralia is perfect for undergrowth, forest gardens and naturalistic developments . Resistant and easy to maintain, it contributes to biodiversity and soil stabilization .
Characteristics of the variety
📅 Flowering : June to July
📏 Height : 100 cm
🌱 Spacing : 100 cm
☀️ Exposure : Partial shade, shade
🌿 Life cycle : Perennial
🌾 Soil type : Loamy, rich
💧 Soil moisture content : Slightly moist
🦌 Deer Resistance : High
📦 Seeds per packet : 50
Sowing and cultivation
📏 Sowing depth : 5 mm
🌡 Germination time : Variable
❄️ Cold stratification : 60 days
⚡ Scarification : Soaking for 24 hours
🔹 Indoor method (for optimal germination) :
1️⃣ Soak the seeds at room temperature for 24 hours .
2️⃣ Mix them with a moist substrate ( vermiculite, perlite or sand ) and place them in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for 60 days .
3️⃣ After stratification, sow the seeds 5 mm deep in rich, slightly moist potting soil.
4️⃣ Transplant the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the first true leaves appear.
5️⃣ In spring , transplant into 1 gallon pots , then to the garden in fall .
🔹 Outdoor method :
🌿 Sow directly in the fall for natural stratification during the winter.
💧 Keep the soil slightly moist until the seedlings are established.
🌱 Flowering begins from the second year.
Medicinal and culinary uses
⚠️ Caution and advice for use
Although the black aralia is known for its medicinal properties , certain precautions should be taken before consuming it.
🔸 Its root is traditionally used in infusion or decoction for its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties , particularly against respiratory conditions and muscular pain .
🔸 If you use the root, make sure to identify it carefully , as some plants in the same family can be toxic.
🔸 The berries are edible and have a peppery, resinous flavor. They can be used in jam, jelly, or added to fermented preparations such as spruce beer.
🥣 Recipe: Aralia Syrup
🌿 Ingredients :
- 1 cup of aralia berries
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup sugar or honey
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
🔥 Preparation :
1️⃣ Heat the water and berries over medium heat for 20 minutes .
2️⃣ Filter to remove solid residue.
3️⃣ Add the sugar (or honey) and simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened.
4️⃣ Let cool and store in the refrigerator.
🍽 Use : Delicious on pancakes, mixed into drinks or added to marinades for a spicy touch.
⚠️ Always consult a healthcare professional before using any medicinal plant, particularly for therapeutic uses.
Ecological roles and utilities
🐝 A pollinator magnet : Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects .
🐦 A food source for wildlife : Its berries feed many birds in late summer and early fall .
🌱 A soil stabilizer : Helps preserve moist soils and limits erosion .
🌿 A refuge for small wildlife : Its dense foliage creates a protective habitat for insects and small animals.
Companion plants
🌿 Bloodroot, trillium, baneberry, native ferns
Enemy plants
🌿 None known
Why grow aralia?
🌸 Lush foliage and honey-producing blooms
🐝 An asset for pollinators and birds
🌱 A native plant ideal for undergrowth and humid environments
🍽 Traditional use in infusion and cooking
🌿 Add the aralia to your garden for a wild, medicinal and ecological touch!
