Devil’s Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa): Thorny Stems, Tropical Foliage, and Bird-Attracting Fruit

Devil’s walking stick (Aralia spinosa) is an eastern native with superb textural quality: thorn-covered stems create a magical winter sculpture, dark blue-green compound leaves give a tropical effect before turning yellow and purple in autumn. One-foot-wide flower clusters in summer become purple-black fruits that attract birds. Grows to 30 feet tall and spreads indefinitely.

Noteworthy

Handling bark and roots may cause allergic skin reactions. Attracts birds. Thorns lend strong winter interest.

Care

• Light: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained.
• Plant where contact with thorns is unlikely.
• Remove suckers promptly to prevent unwanted naturalization.

Propagation & Problems

Easy from seed, division, or root cuttings. Generally trouble-free; watch for leaf spots, aphids, mealybugs. May be somewhat invasive.

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