How to Grow Devil's Club
Devil's Club
Oplopanax horridus
shrubDevil's Club is a deciduous shrub native to the Pacific Northwest and northern regions, characterized by large maple-like leaves and distinctive clusters of small red berries. It features a formidable covering of sharp spines on its stems, branches, and leaf petioles, making it a formidable barrier plant. Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for medicinal purposes.
When should you plant Devil's Club in your zone?
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Example Devil's Club timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Devil's Club
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Devil's Club
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7, with best performance in cool, moist zones 4-6
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Get my Devil's Club timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First seasonNew shoots emerge from rhizomes or transplants establish root systems
Keep soil consistently moist, provide shade cloth in first year, avoid disturbance; mulch heavily to retain moisture
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Plant develops characteristic large palmately lobed leaves (8-12 inches across) and spiny stems reaching 3-6 feet tall
Water regularly, maintain moist soil, apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch; fertilize minimally or not at all in natural forest conditions
Flowering
April-MayDense clusters of small greenish-white or pale yellow flowers appear in spring at branch terminals
Maintain consistent moisture; flowers are relatively inconspicuous but important for pollinator attraction
Fruiting
June-SeptemberSmall red berries develop in clusters, ripening to bright scarlet in late summer
Maintain moisture levels; berries persist into fall and are important food source for wildlife
Dormancy
October-MarchLeaves yellow and drop in fall; plant becomes woody skeletal structure; spines remain visible
Reduce watering but maintain minimal moisture; no feeding needed; spines protect plant from browsing
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; increase humidity; use miticide if severe
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Improve air circulation; remove infected leaves; apply sulfur spray in spring; avoid wetting foliage
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Ensure adequate shade and air circulation; apply sulfur or neem oil fungicide; remove infected leaves
Uses
Traditional Indigenous Medicine
MedicinalDevil's Club has been used for centuries by Pacific Northwest tribes to treat arthritis, rheumatism, and as a general tonic. Modern herbalists use extracts and decoctions for inflammation and immune support. [source]
Anti-inflammatory Properties
MedicinalResearch indicates Devil's Club contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, particularly useful for joint and muscle pain. [source]
Wildlife Barrier and Food Source
WildlifeThe spiny stems create an impenetrable wildlife barrier and defense plant, while the red berries provide important autumn food for birds and bears. [source]
Security and Landscape Defense
HouseholdTraditionally and contemporarily used as a living fence or natural barrier plant around properties due to its formidable spines making it impassable. [source]
Traditional Regalia and Decoration
CraftIndigenous peoples have historically used Devil's Club in ceremony and decoration, including as a protective talisman and ceremonial plant. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Berries: Harvest in late summer (August-September) when fully red and firm. Traditional harvesting of roots and stems occurs in fall after leaves drop; harvest sustainably, never removing entire plant. Rhizome pieces can be harvested after 3-4 years of establishment. Use gloves and long sleeves when harvesting due to spines.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Devil's Club earned its menacing name from the dense coverage of sharp spines that cover nearly every part of the plant—even the berry stems are spiny, making harvest both challenging and dangerous
- 🌱 The plant's spines contain antimicrobial compounds and are so effective at creating barriers that it historically played a key role in Indigenous property demarcation and defense strategies
- 🌱 Oplopanax horridus is one of only two species in its genus, with the other (O. elatus) found in eastern Asia, suggesting an ancient land connection between these regions
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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