Aralia spinosa L.
devil's walking stick
A large, suckering, deciduous shrub or small tree to 6m tall with stout, sharp spines on its stems and leaf stalks. Large compound leaves up to 1.5m long with toothed leaflets are held on sparse, club-like branches forming an umbrella-like canopy. Greenish-white, five-petalled flowers held in large panicles in summer are followed by fleshy, spherical, purple-black fruits
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Purple Yellow | Black Purple | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Aralia can be deciduous trees, shrubs or perennials, with large, simple or pinnately compound leaves and tiny greenish-white flowers in large terminal clusters, followed by small black fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in a moist, neutral to acidic soil in sun or partial shade but will tolerate drought and drier soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed, from suckers or by root cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.