Oplopanax horridus

Devil's Club

Devil's Club
Every part of the the long stems, up to 10′ (3+ m), and its large (up to 1′ across) maple-like leaves bristles with long yellow spines. Ironically, while producing painful wounds to humans, Devil’s Club is a preferred browse species fo elk. It also had innumerable medicinal and other uses by aboriginal people and tea is made today from the inner bark as a treatment for diabetes. Above the platform of large leaves is the “club”, a pyramid spike of greenish flowers that turn to the bright red shiny berries. Common is moist forests to 5,000′ elevation.

Family:

Araliaceae - ARALIA FAMILY

Genus:

Oplopanax means 'armed healer'

Species:

horridus meaning 'horrific'
Photo location: Emerald Ridge, Comet Falls, Green Lake and Summerland trails.