Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus)

Also known as: Alaskan Ginseng

Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus) is a spiny shrub native to the Pacific Northwest and parts of Alaska. Alaskan Native tribes have traditionally used this plant for several purposes. Medicinally, its inner bark is crafted into teas or poultices to address conditions like arthritis, digestive problems, and respiratory issues. Additionally, Devil's Club holds spiritual importance and is employed as a protective talisman to ward off negative energies. The burnt stems have also been historically utilized to make face paint and deodorant. Despite its potentially irritating spines, it remains a valuable resource within these communities.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Devil's Club

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

91 cm to 3 m

Spread

2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

10 cm to 20 cm

Flower Color

White Green

Images of Devil's Club

Quickly Identify Devil's Club

Identify Oplopanax horridus by its large, palmate leaves with 7-9 lobes, covered in spines on the undersides and stems. The plant also produces small, greenish-white flowers in clusters followed by bright red berries.

Scientific Classification of Devil's Club

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Apiales

Family

Ivy

Genus

Devil's club

Species

Devil's Club

Planting and Growing of Devil's Club

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full shade

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

5-6.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Devil's Club?

Water around 500 ml each time, focusing on making the soil moist but not overly saturated. The goal is to ensure the roots receive enough moisture without drowning them. Use enough water so that some drains out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring adequate coverage.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Devil's Club? ›

What should I do if my Devil's Club is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Devil's Club? ›

How to save an overwatered Devil's Club? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Devil's Club?

Sunlight Requirements: Full shade, Partial sun

Duration of light: 2-4 hours daily

Oplopanax horridus ideally requires partial sun to full shade conditions. This range ensures optimal photosynthesis and nutrient production without risking the adverse effects associated with excessive direct sunlight.

What is the ideal lighting environment for Oplopanax horridus? ›

How can you ensure Oplopanax horridus gets the optimal lighting conditions? ›

What are the benefits for Oplopanax horridus with correct lighting? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Devil's Club?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Oplopanax horridus is between 60 to 75°F. These temperatures mimic its natural habitat, providing the optimal conditions for growth and development. Consistent temperatures within this range ensure the plant maintains its vitality and resilience.

What Soil is Best for Devil's Club?

Soil type: Loam, Acidic soil, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 5 ~ 6.5

Oplopanax horridus thrives in soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Moisture-retentive soil ensures the plant receives consistent hydration, preventing wilting and promoting lush growth. Rich, organic soil provides essential nutrients that support the vigorous growth of Oplopanax horridus. Nutrient-dense soil leads to healthier leaves and improves the plant's resilience against pests and diseases. While Oplopanax horridus requires moisture, it also needs well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Good drainage facilitates healthy root systems, supporting overall plant health and longevity.

How to Fertilize Devil's Club?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Oplopanax horridus, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength to avoid burning the roots. Typically, this means using one tablespoon per gallon of water. Solid slow-release fertilizers should be applied sparingly, ensuring no more than a pinch (about a teaspoon) per square foot.

How to Prune Devil's Club?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by identifying dead, damaged, or diseased branches and carefully trim them near the base. Make clean cuts at an angle to facilitate healing. Prune overly dense areas to allow light penetration and air circulation, which is essential for plant health. Perform pruning annually in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Avoid excessive pruning as Oplopanax horridus is a slow-growing plant and may take time to recover. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Devil's Club plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

A well-draining soil mix is crucial for seed and cutting propagation. Use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand to ensure the right balance of moisture retention and aeration for healthy root growth.

Sow seeds in well-prepared seed trays, placing them on the surface and lightly covering them with soil. Maintaining consistent moisture and warmth is crucial for successful germination.

Use sharp pruning shears to take cuttings about 6 inches long from the plant. Ensure the cutting has several leaf nodes, which will encourage rooting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone before placing in the soil mix.

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How to Repot Devil's Club plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Oplopanax horridus needs repotting when roots appear through the drainage holes or when the plant seems stunted, signaling it's outgrown its current home. Spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, are the best times for repotting.

Select a pot that's 1-2 inches larger in diameter to allow for growth, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes. This prevents root rot and ensures proper moisture levels, critical for the plant’s health and vigor.

Choose a rich, organic soil mixed with perlite or sand to improve drainage. This soil type prevents water-logging, supplying the necessary nutrients while allowing roots to breathe, crucial for its robust growth.

Toxicity of Devil's Club

Is Devil's Club toxic to humans?

Devil's Club bears striking, red berries that are toxic to humans when consumed. Fortunately, the fruit does not resemble common edible varieties. If ingested, individuals may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cases of overdose are incredibly rare due to the fruit's bitter flavor. This tall, invasive plant also features leaves that have spines on their undersides. These spines can easily detach upon contact, leading to irritation and potential infection. The spines present a significant hazard to small children and pets, as they can inadvertently come into contact with the leaves.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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