Hercules' Club (Aralia spinosa)

Also known as Devil's Walking Stick, this ornamental shrub has been used for centuries in landscapes. It also has value for small woodworking projects, medicinal properties, and dye.

A hercules' club has been growing here at the nursery for several years and looks like it should be growing in the tropics.

Before planting, there are a few things to consider. Hercules' club gets its name from the stout prickles that cover the stem; it can be a painful plant to encounter. It also suckers and will form a thicket. Remove root suckers or mow around the plant to prevent it from creeping into other areas of the landscape.

Uses: birds, borders, hedge rows, nectar
Bloom time: July - August (yellow fall foliage)

Height: 15 to 20 feet
Space: 6 to 12 feet

Sun: Sun or shade
Moisture: Average to moist