Dwarf-elder (Aralia hispida, Descr. Pl. Nouv.: t. 41 (1801))

Family: Araliaceae

Author: Vent.

Bibliography: Descr. Pl. Nouv.: t. 41 (1801)

Year: 1801

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aralia

Vegetable: False

Observations: EC. & E. Canada to N. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Dwarf-elder, scientifically known as Aralia hispida, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Araliaceae family. Originally described by Ventenat in 1801 in his work “Description des Plantes Nouvelles”, where it is depicted in plate 41, the Dwarf-elder boasts a rich history of botanical interest and geographical spread.

Aralia hispida is native to the eastern and central regions of Canada, extending down through the northeastern United States. This range suggests the plant’s ability to thrive in a variety of climates and conditions typical of these areas, which often include temperate forests and sometimes more marginal habitats.

Dwarf-elder is a perennial plant, typically recognized by its distinctive, prickly stems covered in bristles. The foliage of Aralia hispida is arranged in a pattern that complements its name, with leaves that are compound, finely serrated, and can exhibit a lush green hue. Tiny yet appealing, its flowers gather in umbels, exhibiting a delicate charm before giving way to small black berries that provide nourishment for various birds and wildlife.

Historically, this plant has not just been of interest botanically but also ecologically, serving important roles in its native habitat. The berries support the local ecosystems by providing food resources, while the intrinsic qualities of the plant contribute to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

This hardy plant is not without horticultural appeal either; gardeners who appreciate native plantings often incorporate Aralia hispida for its resilience and the textural contrast its prickly stems offer against other foliage.

In summary, the Dwarf-elder, Aralia hispida, is a prominent member of the Araliaceae family with a considerable ecological footprint in the regions spanning from eastern and central Canada to the northeastern United States. Its prickly, yet attractive nature, along with its historical botanical documentation by Ventenat in the early 19th century, make it a notable plant species worth recognizing in both botanical studies and native gardening practices.

Common Names

Eng: bristly sarsaparilla, bristly-sarsaparilla, bristly-spikenard, dwarf-elder, bristly spikenard
Deu: steifhaariger angelikabaum
Fra: aralie hispide, salsepareille
En: Dwarf-elder, Bristly-sarsaparilla, Bristly-spikenard, Bristly sarsaparilla, Bristly spikenard
Fi: Kanadanaralia
Fr: Aralie hispide, Salsepareille
De: Steifhaariger Angelikabaum
Ru: Аралия щетинистоволосистая

Synonyms

• Aralia muehlenbergiana (Schult.)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 11, 2019 by lisa currie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by J. Moonbeam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Janette Brandt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2015 by EOL − yasingi (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 27, 2020 by Magalie St-hilaire Poulin (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Line T. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by sherry gray (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Clarkson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Superior National Forest (cc-by)

Leaf

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by j sid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Gabriel Andre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by js berg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by js berg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Tasha Van Dinther (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by js berg (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Narroway (public)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Jomegat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3037033)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:89666-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aralia hispida Vent.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth