Wild sarsaparilla, also known as Aralia nudicaulis, is an understory plant commonly found in deciduous forests throughout North America. It has several synonyms, including spikenard, false sarsaparilla, and rabbit root. The plant's long, slender stem produces clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers that bloom in late spring, followed by dark purple berries in the fall. In traditional medicine, wild sarsaparilla roots were used to treat a variety of ailments, such as rheumatism, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. Today, the plant is mainly used as a flavoring agent in various beverages and confectioneries. Wild sarsaparilla serves as an essential habitat for many forest animals, including birds, small mammals, and insects.