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EXPLORE > PLANTS > ANGIOSPERMS
Oplopanax horridum
This large shrub is identified by its woody upright stems and large flat leaves which grow parallel to the ground. The bright green leaves have between five and thirteen lobes and may superficially resemble maple leaves. Sharp, thin and brittle spines cover the plants stem and are an effective deterrent to browsing animals. The plant grows in dense clumps, with mature specimens reaching approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) in height although they have been known to grow much higher in Pacific Northwest rain forests. They produce clusters of short flowering stalks called umbels which are roughly conical in shape and 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Each umbel can contain dozens of tiny five-petaled flowers which are greenish-white in color.
The plant has powerful medicinal qualities and was widely used by Native Americans throughout the Pacific Northwest and east to the Rocky Mountain Range. Extractions can be taken internally (usually brewed as a tea) or used as a topical medication which are used in treating skin infections. Devil’s club is related to ginseng and has grown in popularity in recent years as a homeopathic remedy.
Distribution
Devil’s club is found primarily in wet, cool forests of the Pacific Northwest. There are some isolated populations around the Great Lakes in Michigan and Ontario.
Conservation Status
Common.
Oplopanax horridum
This large shrub is identified by its woody upright stems and large flat leaves which grow parallel to the ground. The bright green leaves have between five and thirteen lobes and may superficially resemble maple leaves. Sharp, thin and brittle spines cover the plants stem and are an effective deterrent to browsing animals. The plant grows in dense clumps, with mature specimens reaching approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) in height although they have been known to grow much higher in Pacific Northwest rain forests. They produce clusters of short flowering stalks called umbels which are roughly conical in shape and 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Each umbel can contain dozens of tiny five-petaled flowers which are greenish-white in color.
The plant has powerful medicinal qualities and was widely used by Native Americans throughout the Pacific Northwest and east to the Rocky Mountain Range. Extractions can be taken internally (usually brewed as a tea) or used as a topical medication which are used in treating skin infections. Devil’s club is related to ginseng and has grown in popularity in recent years as a homeopathic remedy.
Distribution
Devil’s club is found primarily in wet, cool forests of the Pacific Northwest. There are some isolated populations around the Great Lakes in Michigan and Ontario.
Conservation Status
Common.
