Scientific Name
Aralia spinosa
Common Name
Hercules' club, Devil's walkingstick

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Araliaceae
Plant Description
Deciduous shrub or small tree with prickles; leaves alternate, 2-pinnately divided; flowers white in large, terminal clusters; fruits black berries.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural area at edge of woods, along streams in moist woods.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Raw, unripe berries (OK when ripe); bark & roots.
Symptoms
Skin irritation from bark and roots; symptoms of ingestion unknown.
Toxic Principle
Unknown.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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