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{{Short description|Species of flowering plant}}
{{italic title}}
{{Speciesbox
{{taxobox
|name = Wild sarsaparilla
|name = Wild sarsaparilla
|image = Aralia nudicaulis 002.jpg
| image = Aralia nudicaulis 002.jpg
| image_caption =
|regnum = [[Plantae]]
| status = {{TNCStatus}}
|unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
| status_system = TNC
|unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
| status_ref = <ref name="NatureServe">{{cite web |last1=NatureServe |title=''Aralia nudicaulis'' |url=https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.143274/Aralia_nudicaulis |access-date=14 January 2024 |location=Arlington, Virginia |date=2024}}</ref>
|unranked_ordo = [[Asterids]]
| genus = Aralia
|ordo = [[Apiales]]
| species = nudicaulis
|familia = [[Araliaceae]]
|genus = ''[[Aralia]]''
| authority = [[L.]]
| synonyms_ref = <ref name="POWO" />
|species = '''''A. nudicaulis'''''
| synonyms = {{Collapsible list |
|binomial = ''Aralia nudicaulis''
{{Species list
|binomial_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
| Aralia nudicaulis f. abortiva | Dans.
| Aralia nudicaulis f. depauperata | Vict.
| Aralia nudicaulis var. elongata | Nash
| Aralia nudicaulis f. prolifera | (Apgar) Britton
| Aralia nudicaulis var. prolifera | Apgar
| Aralia nudicaulis f. virescens | Vict. & J.Rousseau
}}
}}
}}
'''''Aralia nudicaulis''''' (commonly '''wild sarsaparilla''',<ref name=ROM>Dickinson, T.; Metsger, G.; Hull, J.; and Dickinson, R. (2004) The ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario. Toronto:Royal Ontario Museum, p. 140.</ref> '''false sarsaparilla''', '''shot bush''', '''small spikenard''', '''wild liquorice''', and '''rabbit root''') is a flowering plant of northern and eastern North America which reaches a height of {{convert|30|-|60|cm|abbr=on}} with creeping [[underground stem]]s.
}}

'''''Aralia nudicaulis''''' (commonly '''wild sarsaparilla''',<ref name=ROM>Dickinson, T.; Metsger, G.; Hull, J.; and Dickinson, R. (2004) The ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario. Toronto:Royal Ontario Museum, p. 140.</ref> '''false sarsaparilla''', '''shot bush''', '''small spikenard''', '''wild liquorice''', and '''rabbit root''') is a [[species]] of [[flowering plant]] in the ivy [[family (biology)|family]] [[Araliaceae]]. It is native to northern and eastern North America.


==Description==
In the spring the underground stems produce compound leaves that are large and finely toothed. Tiny white flowers, typically in three, globe-shaped clusters {{convert|4|-|5|cm|abbr=on}} wide, are produced on tall [[Scape (botany)|scape]]s that grow about the same height as the leaves. These bloom from May to July and develop into purple-black comestible berries. The leaves go dormant in summer before the fruits ripen. The berries taste a little spicy and sweet.
''Aralia nudicaulis'' is a [[herbaceous]] [[perennial plant]] with creeping [[underground stem]]s. In the spring the underground stems produce compound leaves that are large and finely toothed. Tiny white flowers, typically in three, globe-shaped clusters {{convert|4|-|5|cm|abbr=on}} wide, are produced on tall [[Scape (botany)|scape]]s that grow about the same height as the leaves, about {{convert|30|-|60|cm|abbr=on}} high. The flowers bloom from May to July and develop into purple-black edible berries. The leaves go dormant in summer before the fruits ripen. The berries taste a little spicy and sweet.


The stem of the plant grows straight up from the ground and divides into a whorl of 3 stems which branch up and out, each forming 3 to 7 (most often 5) [[Leaf shape|pinnately compound]] [[leaflet (botany)|leaflets]]; leaflets ovate, acute, serrate, green.<ref>Thomas A. Naegele, DO from his 1970s book Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Great lakes</ref>
The stem of the plant grows straight up from the ground and divides into a whorl of three [[pinnately compound]] leaves with 3 to 7 (most often 5) [[leaflet (botany)|leaflets]] arranged on either side of a central stalk. The leaflets are ovate, acute, serrate, and green.<ref>Thomas A. Naegele, DO from his 1970s book Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Great lakes</ref>
Technically, all the leaflets on one plant are considered to be one entire [[leaf]], and the stems that connect the leaflets are called [[rachis]]; this arrangement is called doubly compound. In some cases some of the leaflets are further completely subdivided, forming a triply compound pattern.
Technically, all the leaflets on one plant are considered to be one entire [[leaf]], and the stems that connect the leaflets are called [[rachis]]; this arrangement is called doubly compound. In some cases some of the leaflets are further completely subdivided, forming a triply compound pattern.


This species is similar to ''[[Aralia hispida]]'' (Bristly Sarsaparilla),<ref name=ROM/> which is a little larger with stems covered with bristly hairs, hence the name. The stems of ''A. nudicaulis'' are smooth.<ref>{{cite book | author=[[Roger Tory Peterson|Peterson, Roger Tory]] | author2 = McKenny, Margaret | title=A Field Guide to Wildflowers | year=1968 | publisher=Houghton Mifflin Company | location = Boston | isbn = 0-395-18325-1}}</ref>
''Aralia nudicaulis'' is similar to ''[[Aralia hispida]]'' (Bristly Sarsaparilla),<ref name=ROM/> which is a little larger with stems covered with bristly hairs, hence the name. The stems of ''A. nudicaulis'' are smooth.<ref>{{cite book | author=Peterson, Roger Tory | author-link=Roger Tory Peterson | author2 = McKenny, Margaret | title=A Field Guide to Wildflowers | url=https://archive.org/details/fieldguidetowild00pete| url-access=registration| year=1968 | publisher=Houghton Mifflin Company | location = Boston | isbn = 0-395-18325-1}}</ref>


''Aralia nudicaulis'' is sometimes called '''fool's sang''' since it is often confused with American ginseng (''[[Panax quinquefolius]]''), another member of the ivy family (Araliaceae). The two species may be distinguished by their leaves. As described above, ''Aralia nudicaulis'' has pinnately compound leaves while ''Panax quinquefolius'' has [[palmately compound]] leaves (with leaflets radiating from a single point).{{r|Firestone 2022}}
The roots have been used as substitutes for true [[Smilax|Sarsaparilla]] (''Smilax'' sp.) in herbal medicine.


Because it sometimes grows with groups of 3 leaflets, it can be mistaken for [[poison ivy]]; the way to tell the difference is that Wild Sarsaparilla lacks a woody base and has fine teeth along the edges of the leaves.<ref>[http://www.naturenorth.com/summer/pivy/pivy2.html The Biology of Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011224620/http://www.naturenorth.com/summer/pivy/pivy2.html |date=October 11, 2008 }}, Nature North</ref>
This plant is so common in certain ecologies that it is an indicator species for these Eastern Forests of North America: Northern Hardwood Forest, [[Beech-Maple Forest]], and Oak-Hickory Forest.<ref>A Field Guide to Eastern Forests; 1988, 1998; John C. Kricher; Easton Press; Houghton Mifflin Company.</ref>


==Taxonomy==
Because it sometimes grows with groups of 3 leaflets, it can be mistaken for [[poison ivy]]; the way to tell the difference is that Wild Sarsaparilla lacks a woody base and has fine teeth along the edges of the leaves.<ref>[http://www.naturenorth.com/summer/pivy/pivy2.html The Biology of Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans)], Nature North</ref>
The first scientific name for ''Aralia nudicaulis'' was published by [[Carl Linnaeus]] in his landmark ''[[Species Plantarum]]'' in 1753.<ref name="POWO">{{cite POWO |id=89729-1 |title=''Aralia nudicaulis'' L. |access-date=14 January 2024}}</ref>

==Habitat==
This plant is so common in certain ecologies that it is an indicator species for these Eastern Forests of North America: Northern Hardwood Forest, [[Beech-Maple Forest]], and Oak-Hickory Forest.<ref>A Field Guide to Eastern Forests; 1988, 1998; John C. Kricher; Easton Press; Houghton Mifflin Company.</ref> Also common in the Interior Cedar Hemlock forest ecosystem in central and southern British Columbia.


<gallery>
<gallery>
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File:Aralia nudicaulis 001.jpg|Flowers
File:Aralia nudicaulis 001.jpg|Flowers
</gallery>
</gallery>

==Uses==
The roots have been used as substitutes for true [[Smilax|Sarsaparilla]] (''Smilax'' sp.) in herbal medicine.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|40em|refs=
{{Reflist}}<!--added under references heading by script-assisted edit-->
<ref name="Firestone 2022">{{cite web |last1=Firestone |first1=Chris K. |title=Be aware&mdash;no foolin'! |url=https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/GoodNatured/Pages/Article.aspx?post=201 |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |access-date=14 January 2024 |date=April 1, 2022}}</ref>
* {{cite book | author=[[Neltje Blanchan|Blanchan, Neltje]] | title=[[Wild Flowers Worth Knowing]] | year=2005 | publisher=[[Project Gutenberg|Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation]]}}
}}
<!--added under references heading by script-assisted edit-->
* {{cite book | author=Blanchan, Neltje | author-link=Neltje Blanchan | title=[[Wild Flowers Worth Knowing]] | year=2005 | publisher=[[Project Gutenberg|Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation]]}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/aralianudi.html Connecticut Botanical Society: ''Aralia nudicaulis'']
*[http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/aralianudi.html Connecticut Botanical Society: ''Aralia nudicaulis''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228063326/http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/aralianudi.html |date=2015-02-28 }}
*[http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/herbs/aralianud.html Rook.org:''Aralia nudicaulis'']
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060820171412/http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/herbs/aralianud.html Rook.org:''Aralia nudicaulis'']
*[http://www.ontariowildflower.com/deciduous.htm#sarsaparilla Flowering Plants in the Northern Deciduous Forest] - pictures of leaves, flowers, and fruit for identification
*[http://www.ontariowildflower.com/deciduous.htm#sarsaparilla Flowering Plants in the Northern Deciduous Forest] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303222321/http://www.ontariowildflower.com/deciduous.htm#sarsaparilla |date=2016-03-03 }} - pictures of leaves, flowers, and fruit for identification

{{Taxonbar|from=Q2859483}}


[[Category:Aralia|nudicaulis]]
[[Category:Aralia|nudicaulis]]
[[Category:Native Forbs of Ontario]]
[[Category:Flora of Ontario]]
[[Category:Hardwood forest plants]]
[[Category:Hardwood forest plants]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]

Latest revision as of 15:12, 22 August 2024

Wild sarsaparilla

Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Aralia
Species:
A. nudicaulis
Binomial name
Aralia nudicaulis
Synonyms[2]
List
    • Aralia nudicaulis f. abortiva Dans.
    • Aralia nudicaulis f. depauperata Vict.
    • Aralia nudicaulis var. elongata Nash
    • Aralia nudicaulis f. prolifera (Apgar) Britton
    • Aralia nudicaulis var. prolifera Apgar
    • Aralia nudicaulis f. virescens Vict. & J.Rousseau

Aralia nudicaulis (commonly wild sarsaparilla,[3] false sarsaparilla, shot bush, small spikenard, wild liquorice, and rabbit root) is a species of flowering plant in the ivy family Araliaceae. It is native to northern and eastern North America.

Description

[edit]

Aralia nudicaulis is a herbaceous perennial plant with creeping underground stems. In the spring the underground stems produce compound leaves that are large and finely toothed. Tiny white flowers, typically in three, globe-shaped clusters 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in) wide, are produced on tall scapes that grow about the same height as the leaves, about 30–60 cm (12–24 in) high. The flowers bloom from May to July and develop into purple-black edible berries. The leaves go dormant in summer before the fruits ripen. The berries taste a little spicy and sweet.

The stem of the plant grows straight up from the ground and divides into a whorl of three pinnately compound leaves with 3 to 7 (most often 5) leaflets arranged on either side of a central stalk. The leaflets are ovate, acute, serrate, and green.[4] Technically, all the leaflets on one plant are considered to be one entire leaf, and the stems that connect the leaflets are called rachis; this arrangement is called doubly compound. In some cases some of the leaflets are further completely subdivided, forming a triply compound pattern.

Aralia nudicaulis is similar to Aralia hispida (Bristly Sarsaparilla),[3] which is a little larger with stems covered with bristly hairs, hence the name. The stems of A. nudicaulis are smooth.[5]

Aralia nudicaulis is sometimes called fool's sang since it is often confused with American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), another member of the ivy family (Araliaceae). The two species may be distinguished by their leaves. As described above, Aralia nudicaulis has pinnately compound leaves while Panax quinquefolius has palmately compound leaves (with leaflets radiating from a single point).[6]

Because it sometimes grows with groups of 3 leaflets, it can be mistaken for poison ivy; the way to tell the difference is that Wild Sarsaparilla lacks a woody base and has fine teeth along the edges of the leaves.[7]

Taxonomy

[edit]

The first scientific name for Aralia nudicaulis was published by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark Species Plantarum in 1753.[2]

Habitat

[edit]

This plant is so common in certain ecologies that it is an indicator species for these Eastern Forests of North America: Northern Hardwood Forest, Beech-Maple Forest, and Oak-Hickory Forest.[8] Also common in the Interior Cedar Hemlock forest ecosystem in central and southern British Columbia.

Uses

[edit]

The roots have been used as substitutes for true Sarsaparilla (Smilax sp.) in herbal medicine.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ NatureServe (2024). "Aralia nudicaulis". Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Aralia nudicaulis L." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  3. ^ a b Dickinson, T.; Metsger, G.; Hull, J.; and Dickinson, R. (2004) The ROM Field Guide to Wildflowers of Ontario. Toronto:Royal Ontario Museum, p. 140.
  4. ^ Thomas A. Naegele, DO from his 1970s book Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Great lakes
  5. ^ Peterson, Roger Tory; McKenny, Margaret (1968). A Field Guide to Wildflowers. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0-395-18325-1.
  6. ^ Firestone, Chris K. (April 1, 2022). "Be aware—no foolin'!". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  7. ^ The Biology of Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans) Archived October 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Nature North
  8. ^ A Field Guide to Eastern Forests; 1988, 1998; John C. Kricher; Easton Press; Houghton Mifflin Company.
[edit]