The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: devil's-walking-stick, Hercules'-club

Family: Araliaceae (ginseng family)

Distribution: e. United States

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Deciduous tree

Comments: A native shrubby species to northeastern USA occurring on dry, gravely slopes usually maturing around 10' tall but sometimes to 20'. The name implies leafless stems appearing as thick clubs or stubs which, in this case, are armed with copious stout prickles conspicuous in the late fall and winter. Summer foliage consists of 3' long pinnately compound leaves, medium green but turning strawberry pink in autumn. Fruits ripen black, 3/8" wide, held on pinkish-red pedicels, and the clusters of fruit can measure 3' wide. This suckering, bold textured shrub is best used along wood edges as naturalizing masses.