Aralia spinosaIndiana NativeIndiana Native
Devil's Walkingstick
Other Common Names: Devil's Walking Stick

Aralia spinosa - Overall Shrub
 Family:
 Genus:
 Plant Type:
 Growth Forms:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 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:
10-35 feet
 Ultimate Spread:
6-10 feet
 Bloom Times:
 Fruiting Times:
 Light Requirements:
 Soil Water Requirements:
 Soil Notes:
Tolerant of poor soil conditions
 Range:
Eastern United States
 Maintenance:
 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 20
  • Mass Plantings 288
  • Drought Tolerant 289
  • Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 187
  • Indiana Native 162

    • 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.

    When Aralia spinosa has been observed flowering or fruiting at Purdue University

    Flowering

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    Fruiting

    JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

    1 Aralia spinosa found

    Building Map...

    = Heritage plant = Memorial plant
    Number Accession ID Location
    12009_13705*AHORTPARK

    Other plants like this Aralia spinosa (Devil's Walkingstick)

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