bristly sarsaparilla
ExplorePlants
bristly sarsaparilla
Aralia hispida
Bristly sarsaparilla is a unique plant with prickly stems and big, green leaves. It grows in the wild and can be found in forests, adding beauty to nature with its interesting shape.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The bristly sarsaparilla has upright, branching stems covered in stiff, sharp bristles. Its large, doubly compound leaves are bright green, and it produces clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers. These flowers later develop into shiny, dark purple-black berries that stand out against the foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderApialesFamilyAraliaceaeGenusAralia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Even though it's called 'sarsaparilla,' it's not the same plant used to flavor old-time sodas!
Its leaves can change from green to a beautiful reddish-purple color in the fall!
Its spiky stems are like tiny bodyguards, making it tricky for nibbling animals to eat!
The dark berries of this plant are a delicious snack for many birds and small critters.
Special abilities
Ability
Bristle Shield
Bristly sarsaparilla has stiff, sharp bristles on its stems that help protect it from hungry herbivores.
Ability
Berry Beacon
Bristly sarsaparilla produces dark, juicy berries that attract birds, helping spread its seeds far.
Ability
Root Power
Bristly sarsaparilla has strong, creeping roots that help it spread and grow in tough soils.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-90 cm
- Spread
- 60-120 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Bees visit its white flowers for nectar.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Robins and other birds eat its berries.
eaten by
White-tailed deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer browse on its leaves and stems.
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Always look but don't touch the prickly parts of the plant to stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is bristly sarsaparilla?
30-90 cm
How wide does bristly sarsaparilla spread?
60-120 cm
How big are the flowers on bristly sarsaparilla?
0.3-0.5 cm
When does bristly sarsaparilla bloom?
Summer
Is bristly sarsaparilla edible?
No
Is bristly sarsaparilla toxic?
Mild
What is bristly sarsaparilla's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is bristly sarsaparilla pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
%2C_Elswick%2C_Northumberland_4.jpg&width=800)
