Are American Spikenard Berries Edible?

According to botanical sources like Edible Wild Food, the ripe, dark purple berries of American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) are indeed edible and have a pleasant, mild, and citrusy flavor. This fact, however, comes with important caveats about proper identification and preparation, which are critical before consuming any wild plant.

Quick Summary

American spikenard berries are edible when ripe, offering a sweet and spicy flavor suitable for jellies or juices. Careful identification is crucial to avoid look-alikes. Other parts of the plant, including roots and young shoots, are also traditionally used in cooking and herbal remedies, although scientific evidence for medicinal efficacy is lacking. Never consume any wild plant without absolute certainty of its species.

Key Points

• Edible When Ripe: American spikenard berries are edible and non-toxic when they are ripe and purple-black.

• Identification is Critical: Accurate identification is essential to avoid look-alikes. Pay attention to the specific leaflet, flower, and berry cluster structures.

• Culinary Applications: The berries are best used for jams, jellies, or juices rather than eating raw due to their mild flavor and seedy texture.

• Other Edible Parts: The aromatic roots and young shoots are also edible and have been used in teas, soups, and as a flavoring.

• Medicinal Uses Lack Evidence: While traditionally used, the plant’s medicinal claims are not scientifically proven and should not be relied upon for treatment.

• Grow Your Own: American spikenard is an easy-to-grow native perennial that thrives in shade and moist soil.

A Forager's Guide to American Spikenard Berries

The Edibility of Aralia racemosa Berries

Yes, the ripe berries of American spikenard, Aralia racemosa, are edible. Ripening in late summer to early fall, the small, fleshy, purple-black drupes can be consumed raw in small quantities or cooked into jams, jellies, and juices. Reports on their taste vary, with some describing them as pleasantly sweet with a spicy or citrusy undertone, while others find them less palatable and seedy. Importantly, their small size and multiple internal seeds make them more suitable for processing than for fresh eating in large quantities, unlike more commonly foraged berries.

It is critical to distinguish American spikenard from potentially toxic look-alikes. Proper identification is paramount for foraging safety. While the berries are confirmed edible, the plant’s medicinal uses lack scientific evidence, and caution is advised.

How to Identify American Spikenard

Identifying American spikenard correctly is a key step to safely foraging its berries. This herbaceous perennial is often mistaken for a shrub due to its size, which can reach up to seven feet tall.

• Leaves: The leaves are very large, compound, and divided into three main sections. Each section further divides into 9-21 leaflets, which are oval-shaped with sharply toothed margins and pointed tips.
• Flowers: Small, white to greenish flowers appear in branched, cone-shaped clusters called panicles during summer.
• Berries: The small berries ripen from green to dark purplish-black in late summer or early fall. The berry clusters hang from the ends of branches, which helps distinguish it from other Aralia species.
• Roots and Stems: The plant grows from a large, aromatic root system. Stems are thick, leafy, and can be dark maroon to black.

American Spikenard vs. Wild Sarsaparilla Comparison Table

Feature	American Spikenard (Aralia racemosa)	Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis)
Height	Up to 7 feet	Much smaller, typically less than 2 feet tall
Flowers	Flowers in large, branching, cone-shaped clusters (panicles)	Flowers in smaller, round clusters (umbels) on a single stalk, often at the center of three leaf stalks
Leaves	Very large, divided compound leaves, found on taller, thicker stems	Leaves emerge directly from the ground on separate stems from the flower stalk
Berries	Purple-black, grow in hanging clusters	Dark purple or blue-black, grow in smaller, round clusters
Edibility	Berries are edible, roots are used for flavor	Berries are also edible, roots are aromatic and used for flavor

Culinary and Medicinal Uses Beyond the Berry

American spikenard’s edibility extends beyond its fruit. The aromatic roots, with a spicy, anise-like flavor, have historically been used to make tonics, teas, and a root beer substitute. They can also be cooked into soups. Young, tender shoots can be cooked and used as a potherb, similar to asparagus.

In traditional herbal medicine, various indigenous tribes and herbalists have used American spikenard for a wide range of ailments, including respiratory issues, skin conditions, and rheumatism. However, modern scientific evidence to support these medicinal uses is lacking, and organizations like WebMD state there isn't enough reliable information to confirm safety or effectiveness. It is critical to differentiate between historical traditional use and modern, scientifically-backed medical treatment.

Cautions and Safety Precautions

Foraging any wild food carries risks, and American spikenard is no exception. Here are key precautions to follow:

• Positive Identification: Always be 100% certain of your identification. If in doubt, do not consume it.
• Know Your Location: Be aware of potential pollutants in the soil or from nearby roadways. Forage from clean, uncontaminated areas.
• Avoid Over-harvesting: The berries provide a food source for birds and other wildlife. Leave plenty for them and for the plant to propagate.
• Use in Moderation: Even safe wild edibles should be consumed in moderation, especially when trying them for the first time.
• Medicinal Claims: Do not rely on traditional or folk medicine claims for treating serious conditions. Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
• Different Species: Be aware of regional variations and other Aralia species. For example, some sources advise caution with Japanese spikenard berries (Aralia cordata).

Conclusion

American spikenard berries are a safe and interesting edible for the experienced and careful forager. While the berries themselves are confirmed to be edible when ripe, their primary use is in cooked applications due to their seedy texture and mild flavor. The roots and young shoots are also traditionally consumed, but like the berries, require precise identification to ensure safety. For anyone considering foraging, the golden rule remains: if you cannot be absolutely certain of a plant's identity, do not consume it. American spikenard, while a valid edible, requires this certainty, especially given potential confusion with other plant species and the lack of scientific backing for its traditional medicinal uses.

How to Grow American Spikenard

If you're interested in cultivating this plant at home, it's a relatively straightforward process. It is a striking ornamental perennial for shade gardens.

1. Site Selection: Choose a location with part shade and moist, rich, well-drained soil. It tolerates rocky and clay soils but thrives in better conditions.
2. Planting: Plant either from seed or by dividing the rootstock in spring or fall. Once established, it is difficult to move, so select a permanent location carefully.
3. Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells and the establishment phase.
4. Maintenance: The plant naturally dies back in winter and regrows in spring, so pruning is minimal. Watch for aphids and leaf spots, though issues are generally minor.
5. Harvest: The berries mature in late summer to fall and can be harvested for culinary use. The roots are best harvested in the fall or spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do American spikenard berries taste like?

American spikenard berries are generally described as having a pleasant, mild, and sweet flavor with citrusy or spicy notes. Some people report them as seedy and not particularly flavorful when eaten raw, making them better for cooked applications like jellies.

Is American spikenard the same as spikenard essential oil?

No, American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) is not the source of the essential oil known as spikenard. That oil comes from a different plant, Nardostachys jatamansi, native to the Himalayas, and is not for internal consumption.

What parts of American spikenard are edible?

The ripe berries, the roots, and the young shoots of the American spikenard plant are all considered edible. The roots and shoots are typically cooked, while the berries can be eaten raw or cooked.

How can I tell American spikenard apart from other plants?

American spikenard can be identified by its large, compound leaves on tall stems, and its berry clusters are shaped like branching cones (panicles). In contrast, its close relative, wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), is much smaller, with its round berry clusters emerging from a single stalk.

Are there any risks to eating American spikenard berries?

The primary risk is misidentification, as some plants can resemble it but are not edible. While the berries are safe to eat when ripe, any wild edible should be consumed in moderation. Ensure you are harvesting from an unpolluted area.

Can I grow American spikenard in my garden?

Yes, American spikenard is an excellent native perennial for a shaded or woodland garden. It prefers moist, rich soil and provides visual interest with its large leaves and decorative berry clusters.

Do birds eat American spikenard berries?

Yes, birds are known to eat American spikenard berries. The showy clusters of purple-black fruit are a magnet for songbirds, making the plant a great addition to a wildlife habitat garden.