Family: Araliaceae
Author: (Sm.) Miq.
Bibliography: Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavi 1: 16 (1863)
Year: 1863
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Oplopanax
Vegetable: False
Observations: Alaska to NW. U.S.A. and Ontario (Is. of Lake Superior)
Description
Devil’s walking-stick, known scientifically as Oplopanax horridus, is a fascinating and distinctive plant belonging to the Araliaceae family. This unique species was first documented in detail by the botanist Friedrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel in 1863, as recorded in the “Annals of the Museum of Botany in Leiden.”
Native to the temperate regions of North America, Devil’s walking-stick thrives in a range that extends from Alaska through the northwestern United States and reaches as far east as Ontario, including the islands of Lake Superior. This plant’s adaptability to diverse environments is one of its notable characteristics.
Oplopanax horridus is easily recognizable by its striking appearance. The plant gets its common name from its tall, spiny stems, which can reach impressive heights and are often likened to a menacing walking stick. The stem is covered with sharp spines, providing a natural defense against herbivores. The large, palmate leaves enhance its dramatic structure, adding to its imposing look.
During the growing season, the Devil’s walking-stick produces clusters of small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. These flowers are arranged in large, umbrella-shaped panicles, which eventually give way to vibrant red berries. These berries are not only visually appealing but also provide a food source for various wildlife species, contributing to the ecological balance of their native habitats.
Despite its daunting appearance, the plant has played a significant role in the traditional practices of Indigenous peoples in its native range. Various parts of the plant have been used for medicinal purposes, although it is essential to approach its use with caution due to its potent compounds.
In conclusion, Oplopanax horridus, or Devil’s walking-stick, is a remarkable plant with a robust presence across its native habitats in North America. Its historical documentation and notable features highlight its importance both ecologically and culturally, making it a subject of ongoing interest and study in the field of botany.
Common Names
Deu: igelkraftwurz
Eng: devil’s walking-stick, devil’s-club, devilsclub, devil’s club
Swe: djävulsklubba
Fra: bois piquant
En: Devil’s walking-stick, Devil’s-club, Devilsclub, Devil’s club
Fr: Bois piquant
De: Igelkraftwurz
Sv: Djävulsklubba
Synonyms
- Ricinophyllum americanum (Pall. ex Ledeb.)
- Fatsia horrida ((Sm.) Hemsl.)
- Aralia occidentalis (Schltdl. ex Ledeb.)
- Ricinophyllum horridum ((Sm.) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.)
- Panax horridus (Sm.)
- Aralia erinacea (Hook.)
- Echinopanax horridus ((Sm.) Decne. & Planch. ex Harms)
- Horsfieldia horrida ((Sm.) Seem.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Montana (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 19, 2006 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2020 by Jason Hancock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2006 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Tim Gage from Vancouver, Canada (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2015 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 1, 2015 by EOL − eagleloft (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 29, 2022 by MasterAlgae (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2021 by Ronald Vice (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 16, 2021 by Trisha Burch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2022 by Shana Kester (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Julie Briand (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Hannah Ponting (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Ben Haack (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 27, 2012 by EOL − Matt Muir (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2020 by Nate Cardozo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Walter Siegmund (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 28, 2015 by EOL − Jeff Lesh (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 21, 2015 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 29, 2015 by EOL − Christian Haaning (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 12, 2015 by EOL − wamackr (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 30, 2015 by EOL − Todd Folsom (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3036356)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:91131-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oplopanax horridus (Sm.) Miq.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub