Aralia nudicaulis

Aralia nudicaulis is a perennial herb that is common to locally abundant throughout a wide range in Canada and the northern United States. With a large range extent, more than 2000 occurrences, abundant habitat, and broad habitat preferences, this species is considered secure. However, the status of this species should be monitored periodically due to threats posed by habitat alterations and potential demand for the medicinal herb trade.

Aralia nudicaulis is found throughout much of Canada, in the United States from Maine south to the mountains of northern Georgia, and northwestwards to central Colorado and Washington state (USDA-NRCS 1999). Range extent was estimated using herbarium specimens and photo-based observations documented between 1994 and 2025 (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, RARECAT 2025, SEINet 2025).

By applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium records and photo-based observations documented between 1994 and 2025, there are estimated to be more than 2000 occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, RARECAT 2025, SEINet 2025).

Although threats are not widely documented, Aralia nudicaulis is potentially threatened by development, road maintenance, invasive species, and other threats in some places. However, their overall impact is likely negligible given the species' broad range, large number of occurrences, tolerance of light disturbance, and affinity for typically abundant habitats, as well as no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities.

A related species, Aralia racemosa, is included on the United Plant Savers "To Watch" List. This list consists of "herbs which are broadly used in commerce and which, due to over-harvest, loss of habitat, or by the nature of their innate rareness or sensitivity are either at risk or have significantly declined in numbers within their current range." (United Plant Savers 2000) While Aralia nudicaulis is occasionally used as herbal medicine, there are no reports of over-harvesting.