Oplopanax horridus
devil's club
O. horridus is a deciduous shrub to 2.5m with upright, often unbranched, very spiny stems bearing very large, maple-shaped leaves up to 30cm across, with needle-sharp spines on the undersides. Conical, upright sprays of small, greenish-white flowers are produced in late spring or early summer, followed by small, red berries that last into winter
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Oplopanax are a small genus of deciduous shrubs with spiny stems, large leaves and whitish to greenish flowers. They produce small, spherical red fruits which are attractive to birds. Species of Oplopanax can reach between 1 and 1.5m in height, but if undisturbed may grow upwards of 5m.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- United States
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, acid soil in a cool position in full or semi shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed (which may take two years to germinate), by softwood cuttings or by layering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
Pests
Generally problem free
Diseases
Generally problem free
Get involved
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