Aralia, Araliaceae: “Spikenard”
The plant commonly referred to as “spikenard,” with its lush, sometimes untamed and spiny foliage, might not sound like a pleasant addition to a living room.
Perched in an elevated pot, a Ming Aralia plant adds lushness to a reading corner. Varieties can vary greatly, from spiky, unkempt bushes to more demure shrubs with glossy, round leaves.
Photograph courtesy of Sprout Home.
Aralia plants grow from kokedamas in this set from Terrain. Ming Aralia is popular as a houseplant, but most of these other varieties are commonly found in the wild.
The leaves of some varieties are jagged. A relative of ginseng, some types of aralia root have been used to make teas and root beers and as a balm for wounds and burns.
Photograph courtesy of Terrain.
Flower Muse sells bunches of fan-shaped aralia leaves as an alternative to flower petals.
A different variety of aralia, the Aralia Fabian (Polyscias Scutellaria), has glossy, rounded leaves—quite different from its spiky relatives.
Keep It Alive
‘Blackie’ (Black Aralia, also known as Polyscias Guilfoylei) has extremely dark green leaves.
Graphic, Victorian-era botanical prints featuring aralia plants are also available via Etsy. Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various houseplants with our Houseplants: A Field Guide.