Elk Clover, Aralia californica, is our native relative to Ivy. Both are in the Ginseng family, But Aralia californica has medicinal uses as a tonic and is a whole lot cooler. Native from Palomar Mountain up into central Oregon, mostly along the coast, but also in the northern Sierras from 100-2500 feet in elevation.
Associated plants are very diverse and include; Acer macrophyllum,
Alnus rhombifolia, Aquilegia formosa, Calycanthus occidentalis, Cornus
nuttallii, Lonicera hispidula, Prunus virginiana var. demissa,
Rhododendron occidentale, Verbena lasiostachys, and Woodwardia fimbriata.
In your yard it has a wonderful use, it grows in heavy shade as long as
there is some moisture. That stupid 'large' entry that the Realtor sold
you as a feature, with the heavy shade and the moss covered ground.
Aralia can grow there! Rather exotic looking and woodsy. Mix with with
Aquilegia formosa, Carpenteria, Calycanthus, Satureja douglasii and Rhododendron occidentale for that shady patio that needs some life.
Aralia californica tolerates sand, clay, serpentine and seasonal flooding.
Foliage of Aralia californica has color green and is stressdeciduous.
Flower of Aralia californica has color white.
Communities for Aralia californica:Riparian (rivers & creeks) and Yellow Pine Forest.
ph: | 4.00 to 7.20 |
---|---|
usda: | 9 to 10 |
height[m]: | 2.00 to 3.00 |
width[m]: | 1.00 to 3.00 |
rainfall[cm]: | 70.00 to 200.00 |