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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Aralia californica

Elk Clover

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.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

High

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.