How to Grow Walking Stick
iNaturalist
Walking Stick
Aralia spinosa
shrubWalking Stick, also called Hercules' Club or Devil's Walking Stick, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America known for its thorny stems and trunk that resemble a walking stick. It produces fragrant white flower clusters in late summer followed by small black berries, and features attractive compound leaves that turn yellow in fall. This wildlife-friendly plant is valued for its ornamental qualities and ecological benefits.
When should you plant 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 Walking Stick timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Walking Stick
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 Walking Stick
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Walking Stick dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, hardy to zone 3
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Get my Walking Stick timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1 yearYoung plant focuses on developing strong root system. Sparse branching with few thorny stems.
Water regularly and deeply. Protect from extreme cold in zone 3. Avoid pruning first year to encourage establishment.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 yearsPlant develops multiple thorny stems and compound leaves. Dense branching structure forms. Foliage is bright green with fine texture.
Thin competing shoots as needed. Remove any dead wood. Water during dry spells. Plant may sucker from roots—manage or allow for natural spread.
Fruiting
2-3 monthsSmall glossy black berries develop from spent flowers. Berries persist into winter and are attractive to birds.
Leave berries on plant for wildlife food and winter interest. Berries will drop naturally in late fall/winter.
Dormancy
3-4 monthsPlant loses leaves in fall (turning yellow or brown first). Thorny stems remain visible and architecturally interesting throughout winter.
No watering needed. Thorny structure is valuable for winter interest and wildlife shelter. Remove only damaged branches.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick or use Japanese beetle traps. Neem oil spray for severe infestations. Usually minor issue.
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Spray with strong water stream or use insecticidal soap. Natural predators usually control populations.
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Increase humidity; spray with water. Miticide only in severe cases.
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Remove affected leaves. Usually cosmetic damage only; rarely requires treatment.
Uses
Wildlife Shelter & Food
WildlifeWalking Stick provides dense thorny cover for birds and small mammals, while its black berries offer fall and winter food for migratory species including thrushes and cedar waxwings. The fragrant flowers attract pollinators in late summer. [source]
Walking Sticks & Decorative Branches
CraftMature stems can be harvested and dried to create natural walking sticks or hiking staffs. The thorny branches are also valued for dried floral arrangements and rustic crafts. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdThe plant offers year-round interest with fragrant summer flowers, glossy black berries, attractive compound foliage that turns yellow in fall, and striking thorny winter architecture. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalIn traditional Appalachian medicine, Walking Stick roots and bark have been used to prepare tonics and remedies, though scientific evidence is limited. Some cultures use extracts for anti-inflammatory purposes. [source]
Edible Shoots & Traditional Food
CulinaryYoung shoots and leaf buds are occasionally foraged and cooked as a vegetable in traditional cuisines. The plant is sometimes cultivated in Asian gardens for this culinary use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Walking Stick is not harvested for food or fiber. Stems can be harvested in late fall or winter for use as actual walking sticks or decorative dried arrangements. Cut 3-4 year old branches at ground level; allow to dry for several months before use.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Walking Stick earns its common name from its thorny, stick-like stems that historically were fashioned into actual walking canes and walking sticks. The plant's scientific name Aralia spinosa literally means 'thorny Aralia.'
- 🌱 The plant reproduces aggressively by suckering—producing shoots from spreading roots—which historically earned it the nickname 'Devil's Walking Stick' because it spreads relentlessly once established in a landscape.
- 🌱 Walking Stick is one of the showiest native shrubs to attract birds, especially cedar waxwings and various thrush species, who feast on its persistent black berries through winter.
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