california spikenard

Aralia californica

Member of spikenards (genus Aralia)
ivy family (family Araliaceae)
dicots (class Magnoliopsida)
white, other colors in flowering plants

There are no other wild species of this genus in California.

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Edibility: The juicy berries are about the size of peppercorns and have a pungent, ginseng-like flavor [source] and are “pleasant and wholesome” [source] or “sweet but potent tasting” [source]. But their acrid nature may irritate your throat [source].

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Chris’s observations: 17 (all are research grade)

Locations:

• Henry Cowell Redwoods SP - Fall Creek Unit: 5
• Nisene Marks SP: 3
• Huckleberry Botanic RP: 2
• Picchetti Ranch OSP: 2
• Bear Creek Redwoods OSP
• Big Basin SP
• Castle Rock SP
• Garin RP
• Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP

Months:

• Jun.: 5
• Jul.: 6
• Aug.: 3
• Sep.: 2
• Oct.: 1

For more details, use advanced search.

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Not all sites include this taxon:

• Aralia californica → iNaturalist – Calflora – CalPhotos – Jepson eFlora
• not yet listed → FNA

Bay Area species: iNaturalist – Calflora