Devilsclub Araliaceae Oplopanax
horridus (Sm.) Miq.
symbol: OPHO
Leaf: Simple, alternate, deciduous. Leaves and stems are HEAVILY ARMED with fine, irritating prickles! Leaves are large (5 to 15 inches in diameter), palmately lobed, and clustered near the ends to the twigs, bright green above and paler below.
Flower: Species is monoecious; small white flowers borne in upright, conical-shaped terminal clusters that are 3 to 6 inches long.
Fruit: Bright red, flattened, ellipsoidal drupes borne in upright terminal clusters, inedible.
Twig: Sparse, upright, thick (1/2 inch or more in diameter), tan stems, armed with slender, stiff, irritating prickles.
Bark: Tan and armed with slender stiff prickles.
Form: A semi-prostrate or erect shrub growing 3 to 12 feet tall. Each plant has only 1 to several upright stems.