Spikenard - Aralia racemosa

Features:  This rare plant is one of the largest non-woody plants native to this area. It can get as tall as a shrub each year, but dies back to the ground in the fall. Clusters of white flowers turn to purple berries late in the season. 

Light: Partial sun to shade. The more light, the taller it will get.

Soil: Moist to Medium

Height: 4 to 6 feet in sun but only 2 in shade

Blooms: June to August

See more information and photos at Illinois Natural History Survey and USDA Plants Database

Photo Credit: 1. Peter Dziuk, MinnesotaWildflowers.info, 2. Midwest Groundcovers