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Description
Aralia Racemosa, also known as American Spikenard, is a beautiful plant species that belongs to the Araliaceae family. It is a native to the eastern part of North America, and it is commonly found in damp woods and thickets. The plant is characterized by its large leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long and 1 foot wide, and its beautiful clusters of greenish-white flowers that bloom in late summer. The plant also produces reddish-black berries that are a favorite food source for birds and other wildlife.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus||———–|———–|———–|———–|———–|————-|————-|| Eukaryota | Plantae| Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Apiales| Araliaceae| Aralia|
Appearance
Aralia Racemosa is a large plant that can grow up to 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It has large leaves that are bright green and can grow up to 2 feet long and 1 foot wide. The plant produces beautiful clusters of greenish-white flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers are followed by reddish-black berries that are a favorite food source for birds and other wildlife.
Care Guide
Aralia Racemosa is an easy plant to care for, and it can thrive in a wide range of conditions. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: Aralia Racemosa prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but you can use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote growth.- Soil: Aralia Racemosa prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but it prefers a shady spot with filtered light.- Hardiness Zones: Aralia Racemosa can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aralia Racemosa is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally suffer from spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. To prevent infestation, you can spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. The plant can also be affected by leaf spot and powdery mildew, which can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Aralia Racemosa is a native plant to the eastern part of North America, and it is commonly found in damp woods and thickets. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy or loamy soil. The plant is also tolerant of shade and can grow under the canopy of other trees.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Aralia Racemosa toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Aralia Racemosa is toxic to pets if ingested. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Aralia Racemosa plant?
A: You should fertilize your Aralia Racemosa plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Q: How often should I water my Aralia Racemosa plant?
A: You should water your Aralia Racemosa plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the best location to plant Aralia Racemosa?
A: Aralia Racemosa prefers a shady spot with filtered light and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the Araliaceae family:- Aralia Elata (Japanese Angelica Tree)- Fatsia Japonica (Japanese Aralia)- Schefflera Actinophylla (Umbrella Tree)- Polyscias Fruticosa (Ming Aralia)
References
– “Aralia racemosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 24, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277118&isprofile=0&.- “American spikenard.” United States Department of Agriculture. Accessed July 24, 2021. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/aralia_racemosa.shtml.- “Aralia Racemosa.” North Carolina State University. Accessed July 24, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/aralia-racemosa/.
