Large, upright, suckering, deciduous shrub 10-15’ tall, or a small, flat topped tree up to 35’ tall, with stout, sharp spines found on its leaf stalks, stems and branches. Typically naked at the bottom, but crowned at the top by umbrella-like canopies of huge compound leaves.
Edge of rich wooded areas; alluvial soils.
Native Americans and early settlers utilized the plant for treatment of boils, rheumatism and toothaches. Poisonous if large amounts of berries are eaten and root can cause contact dermatitis. Largest leaf of any North American tree.
Leaf length: 15.00-48.00 inches
Tree height: 10.00-35.00 feet
Where to find Devil’s Walkingstick on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
WAB - Walker Branch Trail 13.0
BBR - Backbone Ridge Trail 8.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.