Family: Araliaceae
wild sarsaparilla
Robert Bierman
Christopher Noll
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: Aralia: Latinization of an old French-Canadian name aralie which probably came from Iroquois Indian language
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-20" tall forb; stems not leafy or bristly
Leaves: basal, with 3 together on an erect stalk up to 20” long, finely toothed, each pinnately-divided into 3-5 parts
Flowers: white, 5-parted; inflorescence of usually 3 stalked, rounded umbels together on a leafless stalk arising directly from the base of the plant; blooms May-June
Fruits: blackish, berry-like
Habitat: shade; moist to dry; woods
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-20" tall forb; stems not leafy or bristly
Leaves: basal, with 3 together on an erect stalk up to 20” long, finely toothed, each pinnately-divided into 3-5 parts
Flowers: white, 5-parted; inflorescence of usually 3 stalked, rounded umbels together on a leafless stalk arising directly from the base of the plant; blooms May-June
Fruits: blackish, berry-like
Habitat: shade; moist to dry; woods
Conservation Status: Native
Found in various forest types including Boreal forest, Northern dry-mesic forest, Hemlock- hardwood forest, Cedar Swamp, Black Ash Swamp. Tamarack Swamp.
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = FACU Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Christopher Noll
Christopher Noll
Kenneth J. Sytsma
Matthew L. Wagner
Thomas Eddy
Kenneth J. Sytsma
Christopher Noll
Christopher Noll
Kenneth J. Sytsma
Matthew L. Wagner
Marci Hess
Marci Hess
Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson
Marci Hess
Aaron Carlson
