Devil's Club
oplopanax horridus
Also known as: ["Himalayan Devil's Club","Prickly Cucumber"]
Overview
A spiny, deciduous shrub native to the Pacific Northwest, known for its large, palmate leaves and thorny stems.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Araliaceae |
| Genus: | Oplopanax |
| Botanical Name: | Oplopanax horridus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: shaded woodland garden or partially shaded garden bed
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic soil with plenty of organic matter; mimics its native forest floor conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but prefers dappled sunlight for 4–6 hours daily, especially in cooler climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from direct sun to avoid scorching; place in a location with filtered light, especially in warmer months.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sunlight; provide dappled light; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in cool conditions.
Soil
rich, moist, well-draining soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure good drainage, maintain organic content, avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 32°F (0°C) but thrives in mild conditions.
Keep away from heat sources; protect from frost; maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly in spring, reduce in fall, avoid over-fertilizing which can harm roots.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting with at least two nodes, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in moist medium, maintain humidity, and keep warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peaty, well-draining soil mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle, plastic wrap or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of stems at the base; avoid cutting into old wood unless necessary.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged growth, and encourage bushier growth; focus on removing older stems to rejuvenate the plant.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/damaged stems, shape the plant, clean up debris, dispose of pruned material properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil mix, water thoroughly, and place in a shaded location for recovery.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing overcrowding.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot, prepare new soil mix, trim roots if necessary, position plant correctly, water well, provide shade post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, discard excess water.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure excess water is removed to prevent waterlogging, water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat; browning leaf edges or slowed growth in excessive cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below freezing without protection.
Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or frost cloth; ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may slow or stop; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, avoid winter feeding, dilute liquid fertilizers.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic compounds in Oplopanax horridus. The calcium oxalate crystals can cause severe irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract, leading to significant distress and potential systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicDogs are susceptible to the toxic effects of Oplopanax horridus, particularly due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion can lead to severe oral and gastrointestinal irritation, potentially causing significant discomfort and requiring veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicOplopanax horridus contains irritant compounds that can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The plant's roots, stems, leaves, and berries are considered toxic due to the presence of needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate, which can cause severe irritation to mucous membranes and skin.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Devil's Club toxic to humans?
A: The toxicity of Devil's Club to humans is not well-documented, and further research is needed.
Q: How does Devil's Club grow?
A: It prefers shaded, moist environments and can grow up to 3 meters tall.
Q: Is Devil's Club used for medicinal purposes?
A: Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, though its efficacy is not scientifically confirmed.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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