Aralia spinosa
Devil's Walking Stick, Hercules-Club, Prickly-Ash

Mature Height: 10-74'     Longevity: Moderate

3-7 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

5-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: Sparse literature does not indicate presence in dry areas. Some drought tolerance identified.

7: Moist soils consistently listed as is presence along streambanks. Low flood tolerance listed in NRCS Plants Database.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Same as PFG. (SOUTH) Same as PFG.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (NORTH) Solid presence through Z6 with intrusioin into Z5 & even Z4 in NY. While presence in Z5 is limited, occurrence in Z4 makes Z5 seem appropriate. (SOUTH) Soild through Z8, with a couple of large communities in Z9 in FL & LA.

5   Sun Strength

4   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
5 = Intermediate
+.7 = Pioneer Specialist
0 = No Data
0 = No Data
0 = No
- .3 = 25'
-.2 = 74'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
4.5 = slightly < intermediate
-.4 = Pioneer Specialist
0 = No data
0 = No data
0 = No
-.2 = 25'
0 = Moderate

TOTAL SCORE (5.2): Growth rates listed as Moderate & slow, but NRCS Plants Database identifies the 20 year height just slightly less than the Maples which are considered rapid. Lack of data hurts confidence level of rating.

TOTAL SCORE (3.9): Fire Effects (FEIS) database indicates that species subsides as canopy develops. Literature indicates species typically present near source of light like streamside or forest edge. Suspect longevity may be disceptively long but also suspect soil range may be extensive.

2   Fire Strength

4   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Small Tree = 1
Initial fire value listed in NRCS Plants Database likely attributed to propensity of tree to resprout and grow quickly after fire (really needs forest disturbances to perpetuate itself since relatively shade intolerant). However, aboveground portion of tree is virtually defenseles against any fire: small very slender tree. However will adjust value up because tree grows from rhizomes & does well in areas prone to fire.
Final Value = 2

DEFENSE
Base Score: Small Tree = 5
Very small shrub tree. Little opportunity for exposure to wind and limited cross-sectional area and leaf area to result in significant drag force from wind. Univ of Florida Fact Sheet indicates susceptible to wind damage & may have weak wood. Large leaves at top may act as sail & cause damage. Will assign lower value for small tree.
Final Value = 4