wild sarsaparilla
Family
AraliaceaeScientific Name
Aralia nudicaulisHabit
Herbaceous perennial that can reach 4dm tall.
Leaves
Leaves are decompound and elliptic or ovate in shape. Leaves are 13cm long, 7cm wide and have serrated edges.
Identifying Characteristics
Wild sasparilla grows from a long rhizome.
Flower Seed Head
Petals are green or white and are 1-2mm in length.
Seed Fruit
Fruits are dark purple to black and are 6mm.
Where Found
Wild sasparilla is found in dry to moist woodland areas.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
green
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
trifoliate
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
rhizomes present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb