Devil’s Club, scientifically known as Oplopanax horridus, is a large shrub native to the dense, damp forests of western North America. Its common name reflects its physical appearance, as its thick, erect stems and the undersides of its massive leaves are entirely covered in sharp spines. This intimidating presentation naturally raises questions about its safety, particularly regarding chemical toxicity or danger upon contact.
Chemical Toxicity and Ingestion Risk
The main parts of the shrub do not contain deadly toxins like many notoriously poisonous plants. Unlike hemlock or deadly nightshade, the stem and root bark of Oplopanax horridus are not known to produce compounds that cause immediate, life-threatening systemic poisoning in humans. In fact, various parts of the plant have been used for centuries, demonstrating a general lack of acute toxicity when properly prepared.
However, the bright red berries that appear in late summer are considered unsafe for human consumption and may be toxic. Ingesting these berries can lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The fruit is rarely consumed in large quantities because of its distinctively bitter taste, making an overdose scenario extremely uncommon. Therefore, while the plant is not a source of a fast-acting, deadly poison, it should not be eaten raw, and the berries are best avoided.
The Threat from Mechanical Injury and Spines
The most immediate danger posed by Devil’s Club comes not from chemical toxins but from its physical structure. The entire stalk, from the base to the branches, is densely armed with thin, sharp spines that can measure up to a centimeter in length. These spines are also present on the main veins of the leaf undersides, meaning contact can occur even with a glancing brush against the foliage.
The spines are brittle and detach from the plant with ease upon contact with skin or clothing. They are designed to break off and become deeply embedded in the skin, acting like miniature splinters that are difficult to remove completely. This mechanical injury creates multiple puncture wounds that lead to immediate irritation and localized inflammation.
Once lodged in the skin, the embedded spine fragments can fester, causing a painful, localized reaction that may persist for days or even weeks. This irritation and the subsequent physical damage increase the risk of a secondary bacterial infection. In rare but severe cases, direct contact with the spines can cause a serious allergic reaction in susceptible individuals, and injuries to sensitive areas like the eyes have required surgical removal of the fragments.
Identifying the Plant and Its Range
To safely avoid contact, recognizing Oplopanax horridus is the most effective measure. The plant is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall. Its most distinctive feature is its leaves, which are large, palmately lobed, and can span up to 16 inches across, resembling large maple leaves.
The stalks are generally thick, crooked, and mostly unbranched, standing out as spiny cylinders in the undergrowth. The plant thrives in moist, rich soil, often forming dense thickets in the shaded understories of coniferous forests, along streams, and in wet ravines.
The Devil’s Club range extends from Alaska, through coastal British Columbia, and southward into Oregon. It is also found inland in parts of the Rocky Mountains and across the continent to the Great Lakes region, where it grows on islands in Lake Superior. Identifying this plant by its combination of large leaves, spiny armor, and preference for damp, shaded environments is crucial for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Traditional Harvesting and Medicinal Uses
The long history of the plant’s use within Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest challenges the notion of it being inherently poisonous. For millennia, the inner bark of the root and stem has been harvested and prepared for a wide variety of medicinal and spiritual applications. This extensive traditional use demonstrates that the plant can be safely consumed and applied topically when processed correctly.
The active compounds in the inner bark are extracted to create teas, decoctions, tinctures, and poultices. These preparations were traditionally used to address ailments like arthritis, diabetes, fevers, and various infections, including skin sores and wounds. The preparation process, which often involves stripping the spiny outer layer and boiling or infusing the inner bark, effectively mitigates the mechanical threat of the spines and utilizes the plant’s beneficial chemical properties.