Aralia nudicaulis (Fr: aralie à tige nue| En: wild sarsaparilla)

Description:

Forming large colonies along the forest floor of hardwood forests this ground cover is especially pretty in early spring showing a brilliant red as it emerges after  a long winter, . It soon shows its pretty white flowers providing early nectar to many of our native pollinators. Later in summer its berries turn a dark blue and are excellent for feeding birds. However, Its cut-leaf often mistaken for poison ivy among the untrained eye due to its whorls of three leaves. 

Habitat: hardwood forests, flood plains

Sun requirements: Shade, Part-shade

Moisture requirements: moderate-moist

Soil requirements: Adaptable