Aralia spinosa (Devil's Walkingstick)

The Devil's Walkingstick, or Aralia spinosa, is a deciduous plant native to Eastern North America. It can be found growing in woodlands, on roadsides, and under shrubs. This large shrub or small tree grows 5-10 ft tall. It prefers full sun or semi-shade and moderate water. Its foliage is composed of dramatic, spiny-toothed, and deeply-lobed leaves which are a medium to dark green in summer, turning yellow in fall.

In early summer, the Devil's Walkingstick produces large showy flower panicles in shades of white or off-white. These attract butterflies and hummingbirds and create a beautiful addition to the plant's dramatic foliage. The mature plant cold hardy in USDA Zone 4-9, where it will make an interesting addition to any garden or landscaping project.

The Devil's Walkingstick can be an interesting addition to any garden or landscape due to its prickly stems, large showy flower panicles and distinctive fall color. With proper care and maintenance, this plant can serve as a beautiful accent to any outdoor space for many years.