Devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa)

Also known as: Prickly ash, Hercules's club, Shot bush, Virginian angelica

Aralia spinosa, a deciduous shrub or small tree reaching heights of 1.8 to 8 meters, is aptly named "devil's walking stick" due to its menacing, thorn-covered stems and branches. These sharp spines serve as a natural deterrent. Additionally, the plant features small, creamy-white flowers.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Devil's walking stick

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

2 m to 8 m

Spread

90 cm to 3 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow Gold Orange Brown

Flower Size

3 mm

Flower Color

White

Images of Devil's walking stick

Quickly Identify Devil's walking stick

Largest leaves in North America, 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) long, bipinnate to tripinnate.

Creamy white flowers, 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) across, in large clusters, attractive to bees.

Purple-black spherical drupes, 0.2 inches (5 mm) diameter, favored by birds.

Distinctive gray-brown bark with multipronged spines, shallow furrows, rugged texture.

Upright growth, club-like branches, umbrella-like canopy, pronounced leaf scars.

Scientific Classification of Devil's walking stick

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Apiales

Family

Ivy

Genus

Spikenards

Species

Devil's walking stick

Planting and Growing of Devil's walking stick

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Devil's walking stick?

When you water Aralia spinosa, aim for about 500 ml each time. The goal is to moisten the soil thoroughly without causing waterlogging. Ensure that the top few inches of soil are damp but not excessively soggy, which can lead to root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Devil's walking stick? ›

What should I do if my Devil's walking stick is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Devil's walking stick? ›

How to save an overwatered Devil's walking stick? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Devil's walking stick?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4-6 hours daily

Aralia spinosa thrives in partial sun, with the ideal range being partial to full sun. This range supports balanced growth, enhancing foliage density and color vibrance, boosting the plant's aesthetic appeal.

What is the optimal location for Aralia spinosa? ›

How to ensure adequate lighting throughout the year? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Aralia spinosa? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Devil's walking stick?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Aralia spinosa is between 60°F and 75°F. This range mimics the plant's natural habitat conditions, ensuring optimal health and growth. Within this temperature span, the plant can efficiently perform photosynthesis and other metabolic processes. Providing a stable temperature minimizes stress factors that could negatively affect the plant's development.

What Soil is Best for Devil's walking stick?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Aralia spinosa thrives in well-drained soils which prevent waterlogging and root rot, crucial factors for its healthy growth and development. This type of soil allows the roots to breathe and absorb nutrients efficiently. Medium fertility soils provide enough nutrients for Aralia spinosa without overwhelming the plant. This ensures steady growth and supports its characteristic lush foliage and unique thorny appearance. Maintaining a slightly moist soil condition is beneficial for Aralia spinosa, as it prevents the plant from drying out while avoiding excessive wetness. Consistent moisture helps sustain its robust growth and vibrant leaves.

How to Fertilize Devil's walking stick?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Aralia spinosa, it is crucial to provide an adequate amount of fertilizer to support its growth. Typically, one should use approximately 1/4 cup of liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season. For slow-release pellets, applying 1-2 tablespoons per application should suffice. Adjust amounts depending on plant size and pot dimensions.

How to Prune Devil's walking stick?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

Begin by identifying any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and remove them using sharp pruners. Focus on thinning out crowded areas to improve airflow, cutting branches back to the main stem. Ensure all cuts are made at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from settling on the cut surfaces. Finally, shape the tree according to your aesthetic preferences while maintaining its natural form. Aralia spinosa should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins. This timing ensures the plant can handle the stress of pruning and promotes vigorous new growth. During the summer growing season, light maintenance pruning will help keep the plant's shape crisp and healthy. Make sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant material at a time to avoid inducing shock.

How to Propagate Devil's walking stick plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Summer

To propagate using seeds, begin by collecting ripe seeds from the plant. Clean them thoroughly to remove any pulp. Sow them in a seedling tray filled with a mix that is well-draining. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep them moist until germination.

Select a healthy branch from the parent plant and make a clean cut using pruning shears. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to reduce moisture loss and place the cutting in water or moist soil to encourage root development.

For root cutting propagation, carefully dig around the plant to expose the roots. Select a healthy, new root segment and cut it with a sterile knife. Plant the root cutting back into soil, keeping it moist while it starts to develop into a new plant.

How to Repot Devil's walking stick plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Aralia spinosa requires repotting when roots begin to peek out of the drainage holes or when growth becomes sluggish due to root-bound conditions. Spring or early summer is the optimal time to repot, as the plant is actively growing. Look for signs such as water sitting on top of the soil, indicating compacted roots needing expansion.

Selecting the right pot for Aralia spinosa is crucial. Opt for a pot that is just one size larger than the current one to prevent overwatering issues. Ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing root rot. The pot material can vary but consider a breathable material like terracotta for evaporative benefits.

For Aralia spinosa, choose a rich and well-draining potting mix. This type of soil ensures that the roots have access to necessary nutrients while avoiding waterlogging and root rot. A mixture of loamy soil with added perlite or coarse sand improves aeration and keeps the roots healthy.

Toxicity of Devil's walking stick

Is Devil's walking stick toxic to humans?

The devil's walking stick possesses a distinct toxin, which is nearly exclusive to the *Aralia* genus. Araliin is a transient yet unpleasant compound that induces short-lived contact rashes in humans, including irritation within the mouth and throat if ingested. It can be found in the bark and roots, with the highest concentration located in the berries. Although these berries may appear enticing and are enjoyed by various creatures that are unaffected by araliin, they pose a risk to children and others if consumed. Ingesting the berries will result in irritation of the entire gastric system, leading to symptoms such as drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is crucial to keep this plant out of reach of children and individuals with cognitive impairments.

Is Devil's walking stick toxic to cat?

The devil's walking stick poses a mild toxicity risk to cats if consumed. The harmful components of the plant encompass the unripe berries, bark, and roots, while the ripe berries are deemed non-toxic. Signs of poisoning may manifest as excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Is Devil's walking stick toxic to dog?

The toxicity of Devil's walking stick can range from mild to severe, depending on the quantity your dog consumes. Therefore, if you suspect they have ingested any part of this plant, it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance immediately. Every section of the plant is hazardous; however, the roots and berries contain the highest levels of toxins. Consumption can result in a burning feeling in the mouth, accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive salivation. In severe instances, the symptoms may escalate to coma or even fatality.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.