1 Devil's Club Live Root - Oplopanax horridus Alaska Wild Harvested for Planting

Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus) is a striking native understory shrub of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, known for its large, maple-like leaves and formidable spiny stems. This live root offers gardeners and native plant enthusiasts the opportunity to cultivate a unique woodland specimen that adds bold texture and a true sense of place to shaded landscapes. Devil's Club is well suited to moist, shaded gardens, rain gardens, and habitat restoration projects where its dramatic foliage and wildlife value can be appreciated.

Each root is wild harvested in Alaska and is intended for planting. With proper care, it can establish into a robust shrub that provides cover and forage for local wildlife. This is a plant for the patient gardener who values authentic native flora and the ecological richness it brings.

Plant Features

• Distinctive large, lobed green leaves that create a tropical effect in shade
• Stems and leaf stalks covered with sharp spines, adding unusual texture
• Native to moist forests and stream banks in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest
• Produces small greenish flowers followed by clusters of bright red berries
• Provides habitat and food for birds and other wildlife

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Oplopanax horridus
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Sunlight: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate to high; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading by suckers
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
• Mature Height: 3-10 feet
• Spacing: 3-5 feet apart

Planting & Care

Plant your Devil's Club root in a shaded or partially shaded location with moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the root system, place the root so that the top is just below the soil surface, and backfill gently. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the establishment period. Mulching around the plant will help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Devil's Club is slow to establish but is generally low-maintenance once settled. Avoid disturbing the roots and protect the plant from intense afternoon sun and drying winds. Handle with care due to the spines on stems and leaves. With patience, this native beauty will reward you with its unique architectural presence.

What's Included

One (1) Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus) live root, wild harvested in Alaska for planting.