Aralia californica
California Elk Clover
This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Shop Available AraliaItem #: 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.


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Other Attributes
Genus: Aralia
Flower Color: White/Cream
Leaf Color: Green
Bloom Time: Summer
Container Role: Thrillers
Garden Themes: White Garden
Other: Deer Resistant Plants , Giant Plants , Pollinator Plants , Medicinal Plants , North American Native Plants , Rain Garden Plants , Tropical Looking Plants , United States Native Plants , Plants Retiring This Year