"Wild Sarsaparilla" (Aralia nudicaulis)
The fall colours of this plant caught my eye but I didn't know what it was until the following spring when I found it in flower.
Some used a decoction of this plant as a blood purifier while others made a tea to treat colds. The rhizomes can be made into a refreshing drink (a substitute for true sarsaparillis) and have a spicy fragrance. I have found references that the berries can be used to make wine.
