Flower ID: IMG_0589.JPG-07-08-2018 Flower name (scientific): Aralia racemosa Linnaeus PY: 1753. Pronunciation guide: (phonetic spelling) ah-RAY-lee-ah ray-see-MO-sah Flower name (common): Spikenard Family name (common): Ginseng Family name (scientific): Araliaceae Scientific name origin: Genus: Modern Latin, uncertain origin. Probably from the French-Canadian aralie. Specimens sent by Michel Sarrazin (Michel Sarrasin) (1659–1734) to J. P. Tournefort and to Le Jardin Du Roi (Paris) using this name (Austin, p. 102, 2004). The name aralie possibly coming from the Iroquois language. Specific epithet: From the Latin for racemose inflorescence, an indeterminate inflorescence with pedicillate flowers. Common name origin: Probably from the aromatic and spicy roots, and having a similarity to an aromatic substance obtained from Nardostachys jatamansi of northern India in ancient times, called spikenard. The latter from the medieval Latin spica (spike) and nardi (nard). Flower description: Size: 0.1 to 0.2 inches (3 to 5 mm) Petal count: 5 Color: white Other: flower arrangement, Panicle Plant description: Size: 36 to 84 inches (91 to 213 cm) Stem hairy: Other: Leaf description: attachment is alternate, type is compound Size: Leaves can be over a foot long. Leaflets are 2-18 cm long. Color: Hairy: Other: Shape: leaf, 2-pinnate or 3-pinnate (MBG), leaflet, oval-rounded (MBG) Origin (native, introduced, invasive): Native Status (common, uncommon, threatened, rare): Common Bloom time (typical): July to July Cycle (annual, biennial, perennial): Perennial Habitat: Woods, shade or part shade, rich soil. Fruit: Seed: Importance to wildlife: Similar species (if any): None. Ethnobotany: This plant was used by the Chippewa to prepare an abortifacient, a cough medicine, and dermatological and orthopedic aids. The Menominee used the plant as a dermatological aid, a gastrointestinal aid, and a blood medicine (Smith, p. 24 , 1923). The Meskwaki used this plant as a gynecological aid (Smith, p. 203, 1928), and the Potawatomi used the plant as a dermatological aid. The Potawatomi prepare a hot poultice from the root and apply it to inflammations (Smith, p. 36, 1933). The Chippewa also prepared a poultice which they used to treat boils (Gilmore, p. 137, 1933). At least seven other Native American tribes used this plant for multiple medical applications. The Memoninee and Potawatomi also used the plant for food (Smith, p. 62, 1923; Moerman, pp. 82-83, 1998). The Potawatomi employed this plant as an ingredient in soup (Smith, p. 96, 1933). Latitude: 44.794400 Longitude: -91.493742 Altitude: 264.20 Distribution: In Wisconsin: (Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Burnett, Calumet, Chippewa, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Grant, Green, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, La Crosse, Lafayette, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Monroe, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Racine, Richland, Rock, Rusk, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Vilas, Walworth, Washburn, Washington, Waupaca, Waushara, Wood) Click here for distribution map In US: (AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV) In Canada: (MB, NB, NS, ON, PE, QC) References: Synonym(s): Aralia racemosa var. foliosa Vict. & J.Rousseau, Aralia racemosa f. foliosa (Vict. & J.Rousseau) Scoggan Basionym: na Homotypic Synonym: na Heterotypic Synonym(s): POWO reports 2 heterotypic synonyms for this species. Autonym: na