Oplopanax horridus

RHS Plant Profile
devil's club
Shrubs

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

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Bark Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Araliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Generally problem free