Spikenard, << SPYK nuhrd, >> also called nard, is a plant that grows in China and the Himalaya. Its long, narrow root yields an essential oil once commonly used to make an expensive perfume. A cluster of thick stems about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long grows from the top of the root. The flowers are purplish.
An unrelated shrub, called the American spikenard, is found from southern Canada to northern Mexico. This shrub is also known as spiceberry and Indian root. It grows to about 6 feet (1.8 meters) high and has brown to purple flowers. The roots and rhizomes (root stems) were used medicinally by American Indians.
