Aralia californica
“Elk Clover” “California Ginseng”

I love to see this Aralia when I’m out hiking because it means I’ve reached a cool, moist, shady spot to rest in. Often growing next to a stream the lush, deeply lobed 3’ long leaves arch gracefully out from shady hillsides. Beginning in June, 2” pom-pom clusters of white flowers emerge, then in the Fall they develop into very ornamental dark purple berries. The berries are offset nicely by the stems that begin to turn reddish at the same time. And the berries are loved by birds. Aralia californica grows to 8’ wide & 8’ tall, but goes dormant in the winter. Native to California & Oregon. Used in herbal anti-inflammatory remedies.

Kelly Kilpatrick
Horticulturalist