Water
Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods. Aralia spinosa prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once mature.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Also known as American Angelica-Tree · Angelicatree · Devil's Walking-Stick
Devil's Walkingstick (Aralia spinosa) is a large, thorny shrub or small tree native to eastern North America, featuring impressive white flower clusters and black berries
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil but tolerates some drought.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from spring feeding with balanced fertilizer or compost.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods. Aralia spinosa prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once mature.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Selective pruning can also be done to shape the plant and manage its size. Remove suckers if a single-stemmed form is desired.
Propagate by seed sown in autumn or by root cuttings taken in late winter. Division of suckers can also be successful in spring. Seed germination may be slow and require stratification.
Repot young plants every 1-2 years in early spring before new growth begins. Mature plants generally do not require frequent repotting and are best left undisturbed in their location.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Devil's Walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Aralia |
| Species | Aralia spinosa |
Similar in genus Aralia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
