California Spikenard
Aralia californica S.Watson
Aralia californica is a large herb in the family Araliaceae, native to California and southwestern Oregon. It is the only member of the ginseng family found in California. Commonly known as California Spikenard or California aralia, it is also referred to as elk clover, though it is not a true clover. The species was first described in 1876 by S. Watson.
Description
Aralia californica is a member of the Araliaceae family and is native to regions including California, Oregon, and parts of the eastern United States such as Vermont, DK, and SE. It is a notable plant in its native range and is distinguished as the only species of the ginseng family found in California. The plant is known by several common names, including California Spikenard, California aralia, and elk clover. Despite its name, it is not related to the legume family Fabaceae, to which true clovers belong.
Other common names
California SpikenardCalifornia-GinsengCalifornia-SpikenardElk-CloverWestern-Spikenard
Distribution
DK · SE · Vermont-US · California · Oregon
Synonyms
Aralia californica var. acuminataAralia racemosa var. occidentalis
