Common Names
Wild sarsaparilla, American sarsaparilla, American spikenard, false sarsaparilla, rabbit’s foot, sarsaparil, sarsaparilla, sarsaparilla root, shotbush, small spikenard, small spikeweed, spignet, spikenard, sweetroot, Virginian sarsaparilla, wild licorice.

Description
A short-stemmed perennial that grows to 1 foot in height. Flowers are small and greenish-yellow in 3 clusters of 12 to 30 flowers on the stalk. Plant produces purplish-black berry-like fruits.

Flowering Period
May to July.

Habitat
Deep mountain woodlands.

Harvest
Roots in late summer and fall.

Uses
The roots and rhizomes have been used as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and cough remedy.