Devil's Walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

Estimated Height at Pickup: 4-5', 3 gal A.k.a. Hercules club. A large rhizomatous shrub or small tree that produces plentiful berries widely enjoyed by birds! Enormous bunches of flowers smell faintly of lemon, but it is best known for its obvious thorns*. Generally adaptable, and is easily grown in moist, well drained loam. Tolerant of urban pollution and some drought once established. Spreads rapidly by seed and runners*. Large, compound leaves are vulnerable to breaking when not sheltered from wind.  Pollination: Self Pollinating  Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic Soil Type: Adaptable Height: 8’-30’ Width: 6’-10’ Bloom Color: White Bloom Time: Jul-Aug Fruit: Blue/black berries mature in fall. Fall Color: Red Root Type: Rhizome Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract various bees. Hosts few insects, but at least one walking stick species. Berries are eaten by a wide variety of birds, including waxwings, thrushes, and sparrows, as well as black bea