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Oplopanax horridus

devil's club

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

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical 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

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Generally problem free

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