Tag: American spikenard

According to several reliable native plant and foraging guides, the berries, roots, and young shoots of American spikenard (Aralia racemosa) are considered edible, indicating it is not poisonous in the traditional sense. This hardy woodland plant, however, comes with important caveats regarding proper identification and preparation that foragers and gardeners must understand to ensure safety.

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.

While American spikenard (*Aralia racemosa*) has a long history of use in traditional medicine by Native Americans, its edibility for food is more nuanced. So, **can you eat American spikenard**? The answer depends on which part of the plant you're considering, emphasizing that some elements are edible with proper handling while others are not.