The Biological Flora of Canada 8. Aralia nudicaulis L., Wild Sarsaparilla

Aralia nudicaulis L. is a rhizomatous, perennial herb with a short, thick caudex which bears the above ground shoot.The shoot consists of a single compound leaf which, when reproductive, subtends a short scape which bears an umbellate inflorescence.The plant is dioecious and exhibits sexual dimorphism for several characteristics.Aralia nudicaulis is common in mesic forests from Newfoundland to British Columbia where it usually forms large clones in undisturbed communities.Flowering occurs in late May and early June and the fruit, a berry-like drupe, matures in early August.Although the plant is of no contemporary economic importance it has been used for medicinal purposes in the past.