California Spikenard

Aralia californica

California Spikenard (Elk Clover) is a tall plant in the ginseng family and the only ginseng native to California. Native to moist and shaded areas like stream banks and forest understory, it can reach four to ten feet tall. The long stalks and large, compound leaves give it a dramatic, almost tropical look. In summer it bears clusters of small white flowers. The flowers develop into large, deep purple berries in the fall [1][2].

Native Americans and early herbalists used this plant in a way similar to Asian and American ginseng, harvesting and consuming the roots and berries to build the body’s reserves, restore energy, and support respiratory health. While both the berries and roots can be used medicinally, the plant is fairly uncommon and California herbalists tend to use only the berries to prevent overharvesting of wild plants [3].

California Spikenard is especially supportive of the lungs and immune system. It has been used for chronic coughs and bronchitis, as well as a tonic to rebuild energy following an illness. On a general level, it is thought of as an adaptogen, a plant that can support the body in dealing with physical and emotional stressors, and help maintain long-term health and vitality [3][4].

Ecologically, this plant is found in the cool, shaded forests of the coast range. It provides nectar for insects and berries for birds. As the state’s native ginseng, it is both an important part of the ecological and herbal history of California.

[1] Calflora. “Aralia californica – California Spikenar. https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=504

[2] Save the Redwoods League. “A Healing Giant among Redwoods.” August 10, 2012.https://www.savetheredwoods.org/blog/wonders/a-healing-giant-among-redwoods/

[3] Herbs for Mental Health. “Aralia (American Spikenard).” https://herbsformentalhealth.org/aralia/

[4] Xu, Yi, et al. “Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of medicinal genus Aralia: A review.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 282 (2021): 114583.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34627983/