Devil's Club

Oplopanax horridus

Physical Characteristics

Oplopanax horridus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Western N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - peeled and then cooked[46, 61, 105, 106]. Only the very young shoots are used[172]. The roots can be chewed after peeling[105, 106, 161].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antidandruff Antiphlogistic Antirheumatic Hypoglycaemic Parasiticide Parasiticide Tonic Devil's club was widely employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it especially for its pain-relieving properties[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism, though it probably merits further investigation. The root bark and stems are analgesic, antirheumatic, antiphlogistic, appetizer, blood purifier, cathartic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, hypoglycaemic, ophthalmic, pectoral and tonic[172, 157]. An infusion is used in the treatment of coughs and colds, bronchitis, tuberculosis, stomach problems etc[257]. A decoction is drunk in the treatment of rheumatism and is also applied externally as a wash on the affected joints[257]. A poultice of the bark has been used to relieve pain in various parts of the body[257]. A poultice of the bark has been applied to a nursing mother's breasts in order to stop an excessive flow of milk[257]. A decoction has been used as an eye wash in the treatment of cataracts and as a herbal steam bath for treating general body pains[257]. The burnt stems, mixed with oil, are applied as a salve on swellings[257]. An extract of the root bark lowers blood sugar levels and an infusion of the bark has been used in the treatment of diabetes[213]. The infusion also has a tonic effect on the blood and liver[213]. The inner bark is emetic in large doses and purgative (especially if taken with hot water)[257]. It is used in the treatment of coughs and colds, stomach and bowel cramps[257]. A poultice of the inner bark is used in the treatment of wounds, sores etc[257]. The berries have been rubbed on the scalp to combat lice and dandruff, and to make the hair shiny[256].

Known Hazards

The plant is densely armed with spikes and these spikes are irritant[200].