Devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa)

Overview

Aralia spinosa, commonly known as Devil’s walking stick, provides dramatic, structural interest in the landscape unlike almost any other native shrub. Its stout, sharp spines covering the stems and leaf stalks evoke its evocative common name, Hercules’ club or Devil’s walking stick. This plant offers a unique blend of ornamental attributes, including massive compound foliage, spectacular late-summer white flower panicles, and attractive black fruit favored by birds.

As a fast-growing, suckering deciduous shrub, Aralia spinosa quickly forms thickets, making it excellent for establishing privacy screens or naturalizing in larger areas. Despite its somewhat coarse winter appearance, the sheer scale of its foliage and architectural presence offers year-round visual appeal when sited correctly. Gardeners value the low maintenance required for this species once established in suitable conditions across USDA Zones 4 through 9.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Araliaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Native Range: Eastern and central North America
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 10-20 ft
  • Spread: 6-10 ft
• Bloom Time: July to August
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting the Devil’s walking stick is best done in spring or fall, establishing it in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils. While it performs adequately in many soil types, Aralia spinosa prefers moist, fertile, humusy loams. Ensure the chosen location receives full sun to partial afternoon shade; excessive exposure to strong winds should be avoided to protect its massive compound leaves from tearing.

Ongoing care is minimal, aligning with its low maintenance rating. Water when conditions are dry, especially during establishment, as it is drought tolerant once mature. Fertilization is generally unnecessary unless the soil is extremely poor. The primary management concern is controlling its spread; plants naturally propagate via suckering and self-seeding, so promptly removing unwanted root suckers is essential if you wish to prevent naturalization into dense clumps.

This plant tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including clay soils, and exhibits tenacity against many urban pollutants. Its dramatic, upright habit, crowned by umbrella-like foliage, makes it a focal point, but remember that the spines necessitate placement away from high-traffic walkways where contact might occur.

Landscape Uses

Aralia spinosa is best utilized in naturalistic settings, such as woodland margins, large shrub borders, or remote areas of the landscape where its tendency to spread can be accommodated without conflict. Due to the prominent spines on the stems and leaf stalks, avoid planting the Devil’s walking stick where frequent human or pet contact is anticipated. Think of it as an architectural anchor at the back of a border or within a native plant habitat area.

Its large scale works well when paired with medium-sized deciduous trees or broadleaf evergreens that balance its bold texture. Because it tolerates clay and some shade, it can integrate into established woodland edges that other ornamental shrubs might struggle in. Allow the Aralia spinosa to spread slightly to achieve a more colony-forming, natural effect, showcasing the plant’s raw, imposing beauty.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

The defining trait of Aralia spinosa is its spiny armament, which gives it the popular name, Devil’s walking stick. This large, upright, suckering shrub develops sparse, club-like branches topped by huge, bipinnate to tripinnate leaves reaching up to five feet long. In late summer, it produces huge terminal panicles of small white flowers that attract bees before ripening into clusters of glossy black drupes relished by birds.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Clay Soil
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

Aralia spinosa is generally robust, experiencing no serious, year-to-year insect or disease problems. However, susceptible to occasional leaf spots, gardeners should watch for minor fungal issues, particularly in humid periods. Occasionally, aphids or mealybugs may appear, usually manageable with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap, focusing efforts on the leaf axils. A crucial consideration is that handling the bark, roots, or stems of the Devil’s walking stick may cause localized allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Devil’s walking stick suitable for?

Aralia spinosa thrives across a broad range, specifically hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9.

How large does Aralia spinosa grow?

This substantial shrub typically reaches a height between 10 to 20 feet, spreading 6 to 10 feet wide, though exceptional specimens can reach tree size.

What sun exposure does Devil’s walking stick need?

Aralia spinosa performs best in locations that receive full sun exposure, though it tolerates light, part shade conditions well.

When does Devil’s walking stick bloom?

The striking floral display of the Devil’s walking stick occurs in the heat of summer, usually blooming from July through August with masses of white flowers.

Conclusion

The sheer presence of Aralia spinosa makes it an indispensable choice for gardeners seeking bold texture and strong native character. With its unique spiny stems, large foliage, and late-season blooms, the Devil’s walking stick provides unmatched structural interest. Before planting, ensure you are comfortable with its assertive, suckering growth habit and confirm your USDA hardiness rating falls within Zones 4 to 9 for success.

Wildlife Benefits

The late-season floral display of the Aralia spinosa is highly beneficial for local ecosystems. The huge terminal panicles of small white flowers bloom in July and August, providing an important nectar source for late-season pollinators, especially bees when many other spring bloomers have finished.

Once the flowers fade, the plant produces abundant clusters of fleshy, spherical black drupes. These attractive berries ripen in late August through October, serving as a critical food source for various fruit-eating birds preparing for migration or winter.

Propagation Tips

While Aralia spinosa can be grown from seed, the most practical method for increasing your stock or managing existing colonies is vegetative propagation. The species spreads readily via suckers from the root system, provided you are willing to relocate an entire section of the plant.

To propagate via root cuttings, dig carefully around the perimeter of a mature plant in early spring before new top growth fully emerges. Cut sections of healthy, pencil-thick roots, ensuring they are at least 4 to 6 inches long, and plant them horizontally or vertically shallowly in a well-drained propagation medium.

Conclusion

The sheer presence of Aralia spinosa makes it an indispensable choice for gardeners seeking bold texture and strong native character. With its unique spiny stems, large foliage, and late-season blooms, the Devil’s walking stick provides unmatched structural interest. Before planting, ensure you are comfortable with its assertive, suckering growth habit and confirm your USDA hardiness rating falls within Zones 4 to 9 for success.