spikenard

noun

1. a fragrant ointment used in ancient times
2. an Asiatic plant (Nardostachys jatamansi) of the valerian family that yielded this ointment
3. ☆ a perennial North American plant (Aralia racemosa) of the ginseng family, with whitish flowers, purplish berries, and fragrant roots

Etymology: ME < LL(Ec) spica nardi < L spica, an ear of grain (see spike) + nardus, nard