Species Sarsaparilla
white-green fruits with green leaves on green stems

Sarsaparilla

Aralia nudicaulis

Also Known As - Wild Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis) is a small perennial plant native to North American woodlands. It has heart-shaped leaves and flowering heads of white to yellowish-green color that give off an earthy scent. In early summer, small, edible fruits appear, turning a deep red when ripe. Leaves and roots can be used fresh or cooked for medicinal purposes, helping to support the digestive, immune, and urinary systems. The plant also supports wild species providing food for birds, deer, and other wildlife. Sarsaparilla makes a lovely addition to the natural garden, helping to attract and maintain biodiversity.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cream-Flowered Rockcress should be watered regularly to keep the soil slightly moist. During the growing season (spring to fall), it should be watered 2 to 3 times a week, making sure that it is never completely dry. For the winter months, it should be watered only when the soil is completely dry. When watering, it's important to avoid getting the foliage wet so that the plant does not become susceptible to disease. During periods of extreme heat, it may need to be watered more frequently.

sunlight

Cream-Flowered Rockcress (Arabis pycnocarpa) grows best in full sun. It should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day in order for it to thrive. During the summer months, when the days are long, this plant may tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day. During the winter months when the days are shorter, it will need more direct sunlight during the day.

pruning

Cream-Flowered Rockcress (Arabis pycnocarpa) is best pruned in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. It is important to prune when the plant is dormant, as pruning during active growth can damage the plant. Prune this plant lightly, removing up to 1/3 of the oldest, tallest stems. This should be done to maintain the shape of the plant, encourage new, more robust growth, and help prevent it from becoming too leggy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Starts Flowering

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.