How to Grow Devil's Walking Stick
Devil's Walking Stick
Aralia spinosa
shrubDevil's Walking Stick is a deciduous native shrub known for its formidable thorns covering its stems and leaf petioles, earning it both its common name and its reputation as a barrier plant. Despite its intimidating appearance, it produces attractive white flower clusters in late summer followed by dark berries. The plant is valued for wildlife habitat, as a living fence, and for its interesting architectural form in landscapes.
When should you plant Devil's Walking Stick in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Devil's Walking Stick timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Devil's Walking Stick
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Devil's Walking Stick
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Devil's Walking Stick dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, extremely cold-hardy with good adaptability to cooler climates
Sign up free to see if Devil's Walking Stick grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Devil's Walking Stick timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
6-12 monthsYoung transplant establishing root system; initial stems have prominent thorns; growth may appear slow in first season
Water consistently; protect from wind if in exposed location; do not fertilize heavily; allow time for root establishment before major pruning
Vegetative Growth
Spring to mid-summer (Seasons 2-4)Plant develops multiple stems and compound leaves; thorny branches become more prominent; spreads via root suckers to form clumps
Prune selectively to shape if desired; wear heavy gloves when handling; remove unwanted suckers to control spread, or embrace suckering for a denser hedge effect
Flowering
6-8 weeks (August-September)Small white or cream flowers arranged in terminal panicles appear at branch tips; flowers attract many pollinators; blooms mid to late summer
Do not fertilize heavily with nitrogen or flowering may be reduced; allow flowers to set seed for wildlife; flowers are fragrant
Fruiting
8-12 weeks (September-November)Flowers give way to small dark purple or black berries clustered at branch ends; berries persist into fall
Leave berries on plant for birds and wildlife; berries indicate successful pollination and healthy plant vigor; no special care needed
Dormancy
Late fall through early spring (4-5 months)Deciduous shrub drops leaves in fall revealing distinctive thorny branch architecture; skeletal form remains visible throughout winter
No watering needed; winter form provides structure and interest to landscape; do not prune in fall; any pruning should be done in late winter/early spring
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Handpick if populations are light; neem oil spray in early morning or evening; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps and milky spore in soil
-
Prune and remove affected branches; spray insecticidal soap for heavy infestations; maintain plant vigor through proper watering
-
Strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
-
Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to remove mites; neem oil for persistent infestations; occurs mainly in hot, dry summers
Uses
Wildlife Habitat & Food Source
WildlifeDevil's Walking Stick provides excellent cover and nesting sites due to its dense thorny branches, which protect nests from predators. The fall and winter berries are an important late-season food source for songbirds including cardinals, cedar waxwings, and robins. [source]
Living Fence & Deterrent
HouseholdThe formidable thorns make this plant an extremely effective natural barrier plant for property boundaries, wildlife exclusion fences, and perimeter plantings. Its thorny architecture discourages unwanted foot traffic and animal intrusion while maintaining aesthetic value. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalHistorically used by Native Americans and in traditional Chinese medicine, various parts of Aralia spinosa have been employed for addressing inflammation, pain, and certain digestive complaints. Modern herbalists occasionally use it, though scientific validation remains limited. [source]
Winter Interest & Architectural Form
CraftThe distinctive skeletal branching pattern and persistent thorny architecture provide striking visual interest in winter landscapes and dried arrangements. The shrub's sculptural form makes it valuable as a specimen plant or focal point in contemporary and naturalistic garden designs. [source]
Foraged Shoots (Traditional Use)
CulinaryYoung spring shoots, known as 'aralia shoots' or 'fatsia sprouts,' are consumed in some Asian cuisines, particularly in Korea and China, where they are valued for their texture and mild flavor. They are sometimes available at specialty markets but must be properly identified before foraging. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental/wildlife plant, not harvested in traditional sense. Berries can be left on plant for birds and wildlife throughout fall and winter. If collecting berries for propagation, harvest when fully dark purple-black (September-October). Some foragers harvest young shoots in spring (resembles angelica), but this requires knowledge of proper identification and should only be done if absolutely certain of identity. The plant is edible but rarely used in modern times.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite its menacing name and appearance, Devil's Walking Stick is highly valued by wildlife: its fall berries and thorny branches provide essential protection and food for songbirds migrating south during autumn.
- 🌱 The plant is famous for its aggressive suckering habit—a single plant can eventually expand to form a large clump 10-15 feet wide, making it an effective (though somewhat zealous) living fence that requires management if space is limited.
- 🌱 Aralia spinosa is found in native understory habitats across eastern North America from Maine to Florida and west to Michigan, where it typically grows as a colonizing shrub in disturbed areas and woodland edges, earning it status as a pioneer species in ecological restoration.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Devil's Walking Stick planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Devil's Walking Stick seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Devil's Walking Stick timeline →