California Spikenard
Aralia californica
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Araliaceae
- Genus:
- Aralia
- Species:
- Aralia californica
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 8-12 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- White
Native Range
United States: California, Oregon
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers riparian zones and shaded areas
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Seeds are collected between August 1st and September 30th. The plant is found in moist and shady spots, below 1550 meters, in many plant communities; from Orange County, California, to southern Oregon.
Source: npn.rngr.net