Aralia spinosaIndiana Native
Devil's Walkingstick

Family:

Araliaceae (Ginseng Family) 7

Genus:

Aralia (Spikenard, Devil's Walkingstick, Aralia Walkingstick, Hercules-Club) 1

Plant Type:

Shrub/Tree 76

Growth Forms:

Suckering / Colonizing 32

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 489

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 794

Flower Notes:

White (Yellowish-white flowers with wedding veil appearance, borne in summer, in large 12-18" dia. umbellose panicles at branch ends)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Bluish-green tropical appearing leaves in summer); Multi-Colored (Fall foliage is a yellowish green, often with hints of purple (inconsistent))

Stem Notes:

stout, glabrous stems

Fruit Notes:

Black (Fruits are 0.25" black drupes borne in late summer (soon eaten by birds); remaining fruit stalks are pinkish-red and persist for several months)

Ultimate Height:

10-20+ feet

Ultimate Spread:

Continuous by suckers feet

Bloom Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium 105

Soil Notes:

Tolerant of poor soil conditions

Range:

Eastern United States

Maintenance:

Low 122

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Alternately arranged leaves are 15-32" long, bi- to tri-pinnately compound, having a rachis armed with slender prickles. Leaflets are 2-4" long with serrate margins. Ovate buds are solitary with tan to reddish brown scales, from 0.25-0.33" long. Stems are stout and gray to tan colored, and armed with sharp, triangular, 0.125-0.25" tan prickles. Large leaf scars and associated prickles.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Barrier 19

Mass Plantings 268

Drought Tolerant 275

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 186

Indiana Native 152

Additional Information

Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.