Description

The roots of this Alberta native can be used as a substitute to make the sarsaparilla drink and as an added component to its descendant, root beer. It also makes a lovely understory plant as it grows 1-2 ft. tall with a 2 ft spread and prefers dappled woodland shade in moist soil. It is a member of the ginseng family and many indigenous people feel ingesting the root helps increase stamina. Perhaps more scientific research will confirm this.