Oplopanax horridum. Devil’s-club.
Oplopanax horridum, commonly known as Devil’s-club, is a distinctive shrub native to the moist, temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, spanning from southeast Alaska down to the Cascades of central Oregon. The plant can grow to heights of 1 to 5 meters and is immediately recognizable by its large, palmate leaves, which span up to 35 cm across. These leaves and the plant’s stems and berry clusters are densely covered in formidable thorns. This characteristic gives the plant its common name and serves as a deterrent to herbivores and unwary humans.
Beneath the menacing exterior, the Devil’s-club hides a multitude of uses and legends within indigenous cultures of the region. Traditionally, the plant’s roots and bark have been harvested for medicinal purposes, believed to treat ailments ranging from arthritis to infections. Furthermore, beyond its medical significance, many indigenous stories and rituals regard the Devil’s-club as a protective entity, repelling evil and harm. While touching the plant carelessly can lead to painful encounters with its thorns, those who approach it respectfully can unearth a wealth of history and natural wonder.
