PlantFiles: Devil's Club
Echinopanax horridum

Finally, a latin name that means something...

I initially thought that this plant was "Giant Hogweed" until I drove past it one day and noticed the red berries...

Needless to say, I have planted this hateful plant all over my property as a natural fence.

I do believe that the spines are barbed like the thorns in a cholla cactus - they just don't want to come out.

This is a really TOUGH plant, that comes back religiously, and doesn't spread out of control.

This is a really nasty plant. But it is oh-so-beautiful. The big bold leaves add a striking architectural element to any pond or shady damp area. Perfect for areas where you want to curb pedestrian traffic or provide security in front of a window. However, if you must exit through the window in a fire it may be a doubly unpleasant experience.

It sure is nasty but beautiful plant. I saw it for the first time at Arboretum Mustila, and of course I had to try to hold the leaves:)

There are several references to the medicinal properties of this plant; as with any other herb, only trained herbalists should prescribe and prepare medications. Extreme caution should be used with any herb.

Though an interesting plant for its stature alone, Devil's Club is the bane of Alaskan gardeners, as well as hikers. The stems and undersides of the leaves have prickly spines that lodge themselves under the skin when touched. The spines infect once under the skin.

The fruit is inedible to humans, though the bears seem to like it. Devil's Club travels underground sprouting new plants along the way. To eradicate it, one must dig up all the runners or it will only crop up again.