California Spikenard — Bay Area Native Plants

Care

Sun

part shade

Water

moderate

Soil

Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils. Tolerates serpentine soil..

Size

7–10ft tall , 10–10ft wide

Bloom

Jun-Nov

Foliage

Deciduous

Deer

Resistant

Edible

Roots eaten as vegetable; young stems cooked like asparagus

Native Range

North Coast from Humboldt County to Sonoma County, 500-2500 ft elevation, in riparian canyons and cool redwood forests

Care Guide

Planting

Plant California Spikenard in partial shade or deep shade - it thrives under tree canopies or in other shaded spots around your Bay Area garden. It tolerates a variety of soils including serpentine, and prefers medium drainage, so avoid heavily compacted or waterlogged areas. This is a large plant that can reach 7-10 feet tall, so give it room to spread. Plant in spring or fall when the soil is moist and the plant can establish before extreme temperatures.

After Planting

Water moderately during the first year to keep soil consistently moist as the plant establishes; once established, you can cut back to watering just once a month in summer or less. This is a deciduous plant, so expect it to die back completely in winter - that's normal and not a sign something's wrong. The #1 mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering or planting in full sun; remember this plant wants shade and moderate moisture, not a sunny, dry spot. Prune only if needed to manage size; the plant does most of the work for you.

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