Aralia californica

California Elk Clover

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Item #: 16901

Zones: 7a to 10b, guessing

Dormancy: Winter

Height: 96" tall

Culture: Part Sun to Light Shade

Origin: United States

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


Aralia californica is a little-known, deer-resistant perennial aralia (ginseng cousin) that is the only member of the family with a California address, with a vacation residence in Oregon. In the wild, it can be found in moist canyons and streambanks below 6,000' elevation, where it grows in acidic humus. In the garden, it forms an amazing 8' tall x 8' wide perennial. The tall deciduous stalks are adorned with 3' long, pinnate leaves, and topped in August with 18" long terminal stalks of tiny star-like white flowers, which are followed in fall by small black fruit. Regional Indian tribes have a long history using it to treat arthritis, colds, fevers, chronic lung problems, and itching sores. Regional gardeners have a long history of using it to provide a bold-textured tropical feel in a moist section of the garden.