Standard English Name(s): Devil's club
Local English Name(s):
Scientific Name(s): Oplopanax horridus (Smith) Miq.
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s):
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s):
Island Halkomelem Name(s): qwa'pulhp

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
     Devil's club is a thick-stemmed, deciduous shrub growing from 1-3 m (ca. 3-9 ft) tall. The stems are armed with numerous spines, which also occur on the lower surfaces of the large, maple-leaf shaped leaves. The small, whitish flowers produce clusters of bright red, slightly flattened berries. This species is found in moist woods, often in wet sites such as along streams, at low to middle elevations along the entire Pacific Northwest Coast.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     This plant was used as an arthritis medicine.

Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     Devil's lucb is the source of a medicine said to be good for "whatever ails you." It is sometimes combined with other plants for medicine, such as red alder, black raspberry and Indian consumption plant.

CAUTION: This species may be harmful. Contact with the spines will result in dermatitis (skin irritation) and may cause a serious allergy.