Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Apiales>Araliaceae>Aralia spinosa L.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

This uncommon but widespread small tree is readily identified by its huge bipinnately compound leaves and prickly trunk.

Craven Co., NC 8/27/06.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

Other common names include Hercules Club and Prickly-ash, but these are also used for Zanthoxylum species.

Harnett Co., NC 8/18/05.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

In late summer Devil's-walkingstick produces a showy terminal panicle of flowers, very popular with butterflies and wasps.

Harnett Co., NC 8/18/05.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

Craven Co., NC 8/27/06.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

Inflorescence detail.

Craven Co., NC 8/27/06.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa) fruit

The fruits are purplish-black.

Carteret Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa) fruit

Carteret Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

The leaves are massive -- an average leaf (like this one) has over 100 leaflets!

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

Bud and leaf scar.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

The name Devil's-walkingstick comes from the trunks of small trees, which are armed with many stout prickles.

Craven Co., NC 8/27/06.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

Note the large U-shaped leaf scar.

Harnett Co., NC 8/18/05.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa) bark

Carteret Co., NC 9/28/2008.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

The bark of a larger tree may lack prickles.

Chapel Hill, NC 9/9/06.

Devil's-walkingstick (Aralia spinosa) bark

Bark detail with bud and leaf scar.

Carteret Co., NC 9/28/2008.

More information:
Bioimages
NC State
University of Connecticut
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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