Devil's Walkingstick (Aralia spinosa)

Devil's Walkingstick (Aralia spinosa) is a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree known for its thorny stems and large, attractive white flower clusters.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Partial Shade to Full Sun

Watering

Moderate

Soil

Well-drained

Temperature

Moderate

Fertilizer

Low

Care Requirements

Light

Partial Shade to Full Sun

Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun, especially in cooler climates. May become leggy in deep shade.

Watering

Moderate

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry periods. Reduce watering in winter.

Soil

Well-drained

Temperature

Moderate

Hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate heat and cold within its hardiness range.

Fertilizer

Low

Generally low feeder. Light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilization.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Category

Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Garden

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Height

3 - 10 m

Spread

3 - 6 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Yes

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

43000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Sep

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Mar

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Aralia georgica Miq.

Aralia leroana K.Koch

Chaerophyllum arborescens L.

Myrrhis arborescens Spreng.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderApiales
familyAraliaceae
genusAralia
speciesAralia spinosa

Toxicity

Berries and roots can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Additional Care Tips

Devil's Walkingstick prefers consistently moist soil, especially when young. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering frequency during dormancy in winter, but avoid letting the soil become completely parched. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Prune Devil's Walkingstick in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. If suckers are problematic, they can be cut back to the ground. Pruning can also be done to manage size or shape, though it tends to form a natural, shrubby habit.

Propagation is typically done through seed or suckers. Seeds require stratification (a period of cold, moist conditions) to germinate and can be sown in spring. Alternatively, suckers that naturally emerge from the base of the plant can be carefully separated and replanted in fall or early spring.

Repotting is rarely necessary for established outdoor plants as they are large shrubs or small trees. For container-grown specimens, repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix.

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Aralia spinosa?

Devil's Walkingstick thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is adaptable to a range of soil types.

Is Aralia spinosa thorny?

Yes, Aralia spinosa is characterized by its stout stems that are heavily armed with sharp, prickly spines.

When does Aralia spinosa bloom?

Aralia spinosa typically blooms in mid to late summer, producing large, showy panicles of white flowers.

Does Aralia spinosa attract wildlife?

Yes, the dark purple to black berries produced by Aralia spinosa are a food source for various bird species.

How large does Aralia spinosa grow?

Devil's Walkingstick can grow into a large shrub or small tree, typically reaching heights of 3 to 12 meters.

Care Requirements

Light

Partial Shade to Full Sun

Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun, especially in cooler climates. May become leggy in deep shade.

Watering

Moderate

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry periods. Reduce watering in winter.

Soil

Well-drained

Temperature

Moderate

Hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate heat and cold within its hardiness range.

Fertilizer

Low

Generally low feeder. Light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilization.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs