Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Hercules’ Club

Aralia spinosa
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Forest, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: White, Yellow
Fall Color: Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

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Shrub with green compound leaves and highly branched cluster of white flowers.
Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects, Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size

Height:

15 to
20
feet

Spread:

6 to
12
feet
Size
Height: 15 to
20
feet
Spread: 6 to
12
feet
Size
Height: 15 to
20
feet
Spread: 6 to
12
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Shrub borders, hedge rows, and woodland plantings. Locate in landscapes where spiny stems won't be troublesome.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Note that bark and roots can irritate skin. Ideally, plant in well-drained soil that is moist and rich, though the plant will tolerate some drought. Will form thickets in suitable locations; remove root suckers to control spread.
Special Features
Ornamental Fruits / Seed Pods / Seed Heads
Special Usage
Basic Description

Shrub or small tree with spines along stems and ornamental double compound leaves composed of many leaflets. Large and highly branched white flower clusters form in summer, providing nectar to pollinators, and are followed by groups of little black fall fruits eaten by birds.

 

Hercules' club in a home landscape. Photo: Bill Ruppert.

Hercules’ club in a home landscape. Photo: Bill Ruppert.

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

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