Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Aralia californica
Elk Clover
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 feet
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- Creamy white clusters
- Foliage color
- Large, green, divided leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- High
- Maintenance
- Low
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and provides food for birds in fall through its berries
About this plant
Aralia californica, commonly known as Elk Clover, is an attractive deciduous perennial that produces clusters of small, creamy white flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers form on large, branching stems, creating an airy, delicate display that is followed by dark purple, berry-like fruits in late summer. These berries attract birds and add ornamental interest as the season progresses.
Native to the woodlands of California and Oregon, Aralia californica thrives in moist, shaded environments. Its lush, tropical-looking foliage and architectural form make it a standout in woodland gardens and naturalistic landscapes, where it adds a sense of wild beauty and structure throughout the growing season.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Bird Gardens
Companion plants
Ferns · Lungworts · Wild ginger · Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
