Species Devil's walking stick
Green-brown-yellow stems with green-yellow leaves and serrated edges.

Devil's walking stick

Aralia spinosa

The Devil’s Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa) is an incredible plant you won't want to miss. With its vibrant character and distinct shape, the bipinnately compound leaf and spiny trunk, it's truly one of a kind. This plant is native to North America and thrives in moist, wooded areas or along streams. This unique trait makes it an ideal choice for creating an interesting look in the garden or landscaping. The striking foliage is sure to add drama and a rugged feel to your outdoor space. Plus, its berries are a great dietary supplement for wildlife, so you can help support the local ecosystem. The Devil's Walking Stick is truly an amazing plant to own.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Root Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

High

watering

Devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa) should be watered enough to keep the soil evenly moist. Water in the morning every 7 to 10 days during the active growing season. Make sure the soil has a chance to dry out completely in between waterings. Reduce frequency to every 2 weeks during winter dormancy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to give the plant too much water.

sunlight

Devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa) need at least 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight per day to thrive. They tend to prefer direct sunlight, so if possible, place them in an area that receives full sunlight all day. If that is not possible, at least 4 hours of morning sun is preferable. Avoid locations that receive shade for more than 4 hours in the middle of the day. The plant can tolerate light shade in the late afternoon, but the more light it gets the better.

pruning

Pruning Devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa) is best done in the winter while the plant is dormant. The shrub can be lightly pruned throughout the year, but it should not be severely cut back. Pruning should be limited to removing weak or dead branches and any excess growth that has outgrown the desired shape. For larger pruning jobs, wait until fall or winter, when the plant is dormant. Doing so will help reduce the amount of shock the plant experiences in response to the pruning.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Aralia spinosa typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Aralia spinosa typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Starts Flowering

Aralia spinosa typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Aralia spinosa typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map