Mystery plant #1 - Oplopanax horridus
aka. DEVILS' CLUB, DEVIL'S WALKING STICK, ALASKAN GINSENGOplopanax horridus, is derived from two Greek words: hoplon, meaning weapon and panakos meaning panacea, a hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases, once sought by the alchemists. Horridus meaning
horrible, frightening refers to plant being covered by thorns.
source: http://homeopathyvancouver.com/wp-content/uploads/files/ophopanax.pdf
Disclaimer: NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE purely informational only.
Personally, I do NOT recommend the use of this herbal remedy unless under the supervision of a physician. Just read the homeopathy provers' results.
A plant we found in the wetter area of our property. April 23, 2012
the grove may 7th 2012 |
hubby says spines are not stiff |
This mean looking plant with a mean sounding name is really quite amazing.
This ginseng relative has been used by natives for a variety of ailments. Even the highly toxic red berries are used as a lice-killer. Even to this day, scientists are researching this plant as a cure for tuberculosis.
My husband said (as he touched with leather gloves) that the spines are soft and flexible. Don't be deceived. This plant will hurt, although it has no injection of chemical as does the nettle, the spines still pierce skin, hurt, and can cause a secondary infection from the injury.
a bud |
These plants are very slow-growing and are mainly found in undisturbed old-growth forests. Lucky we have such a treasure hidden here.
Found in Eastern Pierce County, Washington. soil conditions are wet in winter and spring. possibly wet feet conditions. Sun is dappled in winter and shaded in summer.
Possibly didn't notice last year for all the nettles.
hubby next to a stick - hubby is 6' tall |
Botanical Plant info
go to USDA site link here: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=OPHOGrowing guide
Plant Group:Shrubs.
Hardiness:
USDA zones: 3-9.
Flowering period:
Late spring to midsummer.
Light:
Shade.
Soil:
Moist, acidic, and does well next to seepages, creeks and ponds. summer drought tolerant
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed when ripe. Seed may take up to 18 months to germinate.
Stem cuttings from horizontal branches in late spring to early summer.
Layering.
Pruning Methods:
Very painfully!
source: http://www.rainyside.com/plant_gallery/natives/Oplopanax_horridus.html
Cool Facts:
- seeds can take up to 4 years to germinate
- leaves can reach a width of 3 feet across
- can grow up to 20 feet tall
- Bears love the poison fruit.
- Many uses
Uses
Great site for uses of all sorts http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue62/article2697.htmlspiritual, medicinal, cultural | |||||||||||||||||
Another source: http://www.herbalremedies.com/devils-club-information.html
Another source: http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Oplopanax+horridus
Devils Club
- roots can be cooked and eaten.
- young fleshy stems are edible when cooked.
- young leaves lack the stiff spines and can be eaten raw.
- berries are not edible.
- grows in moist areas that are shaded from the sun, in both foothill and montane regions.
- warning: plant spines can cause infections or allergic reactions.
Proof of Uses
Great site of a detailed blind trial of the effects of devils club.http://homeopathyvancouver.com/wp-content/uploads/files/ophopanax.pdf
7 May 2012
top of stem 7 may 2012 |
They are classified as a shrub but are single stemmed.
The base pictured is not one shrub but rather several individuals.
7 may 2012 base of cluster |
A few sprouts that I pulled from a path seemed to be rhizomatic.
the grove 7 may 2012 |
May 27 2012
bud & branch has grown |
top of stalk has flowers |
ooh spikes. |
the grove in late may green! |
It's devil's club! Scientific name is Oplopanax horridus (yeah, horridus...sounds awesome, right?). Even though it's a scary looking plant, there's some really great research going on right now about it's possible qualities as a cure for TB. Also, the native Americans in the PNW have been using it for a long time medicinally. I haven't researched it a whole lot, but I'm sure it's nothing a thorough Google search can't handle. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS Heidi!
DeleteNow I have a name I can research it some more. I was not having any luck googling key words or photos or the local flora websites earlier.
After my research I will update the post with some info on the plant! Cool.