ORDERS FOR DELIVERY THIS YEAR HAVE NOW CLOSED. THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FROM COB TUES 23 DECEMBER, RE-OPENING MONDAY 19 JANUARY, AND FIRST ORDERS FOR 2026 WILL GO OUT FROM MONDAY 26 JANUARY. WE WISH ALL OUR CUSTOMERS ALL THE BEST FOR BOTH THE FESTIVE AND THE GROWING SEASON. NGA MIHI O TE KIRIHIMETE ME TE TAU HOU:)

California Spikenard

Aralia californica

$10.50

Out of stock

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Herbaceous medicinal perennial of the ginseng family. It can reach almost 3m tall when in flower – umbels of yellow-greenish flowers that bloom in mid-summer, and mature into blue-black berries in early autumn, which attract birds. The stems bear large bright green pinnately compound leaves 1–2 m long and 1m broad – so give it space! Frost hardy.

9cm pot

Cultivation

Spikenard naturally grows near running water and prefers moist, rich soils in part shade but is sufficiently robust and adaptable to be grown in regular garden conditions.

Uses

California Spikenard can be cooked for food, and used in making herbal root beers. The berries are also used for making wine.

Medicinal Uses

The plant is a veritable wonder herb, as it has a raft of uses. It is as a powerful respiratory remedy and tonic, stimulating the immune system and having anti-microbial and expectorant properties. It can be used during the first stages of cold or flu to boost immune function and relieve symptoms. A syrup of the herb is said to be particularly helpful when first getting a throat irritation and for sharp, dry, and percussive coughs. In addition, California Spikenard’s anti-inflammatory properties are useful for treating gout, rheumatism, and backaches. The plant can also be helpful for stomach aches, and reducing gas and wind. Furthermore it is considered a uterine tonic, and can help relieve pre-menstrual symptoms.  This herb also has a history of being used topically for bruises, rashes, eczema, and other skin conditions, and last but not least the juice of the berries can be placed in the ear to treat ear infections. Apart from the latter, it is the root, which is aromatic and dripping with sticky white oleoresin, which is the part normally used medicinally.

History / Folklore / Further Info

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details. 

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have. 

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