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The Wild Sarsaparilla, which is also known as the American Sarsaparilla, Bamboo Brier, Shot Bush, Spikenard, Spreading Spikenard, and Wild Liquorice, is yet another common flower found through out the Algonquin Highlands’ forests and along wooded roads. Wild Sarsaparilla are identified by their rounded clusters of tiny greenish-white flowers on a leafless, smooth stem, which are accompanied by 3 taller leaflets of 5 leaves that cover the flowers like an umbrella. Wild Sarsaparilla blooms from May until June, and are found in shaded, moist deciduous or mixed forest where there is light sandy, medium loamy and heavy clay soils.
The long, aromatic root of the Wild Sarsaparilla was used by early settlers as a flavouring to make “root beer”, and can be made into a tea. Also, it was used by Indians during wars or when hunting because it is very sustaining.
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