Aralia spinosa aka American Angelica Tree

Taxonomy

Aralia spinosa, also known as devil's walking stick, is a woody plant native to eastern North America. It is a vigorous, upright, suckering, deciduous shrub or small tree with spiny stems that can grow up to 10-15 feet tall. The plant's various names refer to its sharp, spiny stems, petioles, and leaf midribs. It has pinnate leaves that are divided into numerous ovate, dark green leaflets, and conical panicles that bear umbels of white flowers in the summer, followed by spherical black fruit. Aralia spinosa is occasionally cultivated for its exotic, tropical appearance, having large lacy compound leaves. It is closely related to the Asian species Aralia elata, a more commonly cultivated species with which it is easily confused. Devil's walking stick is commonly found in wood margins, fields, pastures, forests, or natural areas at the edge of woods or along streams in moist woods. The plant has heavy flower and fruit sets, producing clusters of round, fleshy black drupes. Although sometimes confused with the unrelated Zanthoxylum clava-herculis, Aralia spinosa does not have the medicinal properties of the toothache tree.

Common names

American Angelica Tree, Hercules' Club, Devil's Walking Stick, Angelicatree, Devil's Walkingstick

How to care for American Angelica Tree

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, American Angelica Tree is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

American Angelica Tree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

American Angelica Tree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

American Angelica Tree thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Devil's Walking Stick.

Toxicity

American Angelica Tree is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of American Angelica Tree is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

American Angelica Tree grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

American Angelica Tree’s native range is South-eastern N. America - New York to Florida, east to Texas.


More info:
Wikipedia