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Description
Aralia Californica, commonly known as the California spikenard, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Araliaceae family. It is native to the coastal regions of California and Oregon in the United States. This plant can grow up to 3 meters tall and has a woody stem with large leaves that can reach up to 30 centimeters in length. Aralia Californica blooms in the summer, producing clusters of small white flowers that are followed by dark purple berries in the fall. The roots of this plant are used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Aralia |
Appearance
Aralia Californica has large, glossy, dark green leaves that are palmately compound, meaning they have several leaflets that spread out from a central point. The leaflets are toothed and have a pointed tip. The stem of the plant is woody and can be either smooth or slightly hairy. The flowers of Aralia Californica are small and white, and they grow in clusters that can reach up to 25 centimeters in length. The flowers are followed by dark purple berries that are about 4 millimeters in diameter.
Care Guide
To take care of Aralia Californica, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, and soil. This plant prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It also requires regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Aralia Californica should be planted in an area that receives partial to full sunlight, depending on the climate. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aralia Californica is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stem of the plant. The plant is also prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent these issues, it is important to keep the plant healthy and free from stress.
Habitat
Aralia Californica is native to the coastal regions of California and Oregon in the United States. It can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and riparian zones. This plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of conditions, including drought and salt spray.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Aralia Californica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Aralia Californica can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Is Aralia Californica deer resistant?
A: Yes, Aralia Californica is deer resistant.
Q: Can Aralia Californica tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, Aralia Californica can tolerate salt spray and is a good choice for coastal gardens.
Q: Is Aralia Californica toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Aralia Californica is toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach of dogs and cats.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Araliaceae family:
- Aralia spinosa
- Dizygotheca elegantissima
- Polyscias fruticosa
- Schefflera actinophylla
- Schefflera arboricola
References
- “Aralia Californica.” Sunset Western Garden Book, 9th ed., Oxmoor House, 2012, p. 51.
- “Aralia Californica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b947.
- “Aralia Californica.” Plant Guide, United States Department of Agriculture, plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_arca4.pdf.
