While it may look like a shrub, American Spikenard is actually a larger-than-life perennial with a striking habit, unique texture, and stunning dark berries. Add this beautiful and unusual plant to the shady parts of your garden for blooms in mid-summer when most other woodland perennials have finished. The plumes of small, white flowers are beloved by lilliputian pollinators like sweat bees, hover flies, and potter wasps and the reddish-purple berries bring color and wildlife to the fall woodland garden.
Conditions: Part shade to full shade; medium to moist soil
Size: 4’-6’ height, 4’-5’ spread
Zone: 3 - 7
Wildlife Value: Provides cover for birds and small mammals; flowers attract small pollinators, including sweat bees, flower beetles, hover flies, and potter wasps; berries provide food for small birds
Photos: Samantha Nestory, Plant Image Library, Doug McGrady