https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/240270322
Devil’s club (Oplopanax horridus), also known as Alaskan ginseng or suxt, is a member of the Ginseng family (Araliaceae) that thrives in moist, dense woods. It grows from Southcentral Alaska down to California, favoring shaded, coastal rainforests, especially around Southeast Alaska. I've often found it near streams and in thick undergrowth, with its broad, maple-like leaves and sharp spines making it impossible to miss. It covers the forest floor where it's present and makes bushwacking especially difficult. Trying to get the spines out of your skin can take weeks and can be deeply agitating. Early spring is the ideal time to harvest roots, while the shoots are only edible for a short period after they appear and make delightful trail snacks, a great addition to salads, or dried for perfect tea.
Devil’s club has long been respected for its medicinal and even magical properties. It was known by the Lingít and Haida as a plant that warded away evil spirits with it's fierce spines and power. The root and bark are loaded with compounds that help regulate stress, making it a natural adaptogen. Researchers have also found it to potentially contain cancer fighting properties. Many Native groups in the Pacific Northwest have used it to treat arthritis, coughs, skin irritations, and infections. In addition, it plays a role in ceremonial practices, like cleansing rituals.
Historically, Lingít and Haida shamans used Devil’s club in wilderness initiations, ingesting the root to cleanse their systems. But it's not without risk as the spines can cause festering wounds, and improper use can lead to poisoning. Despite that, it’s still prized for its cosmetic uses, with teas and salves often applied for sore muscles, wounds or other skin issues. Just remember, when you're out in the woods, Devil’s club demands respect, it's important to thank the plant before harvesting and to only take what you need.
Work cited: "Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, Western Canada, The Northwest" by Janice J. Schofield and indigenous knowledge shared with me from various Áak’w Kwáan people of the place I call home.
Comments
Great Journal entry, Fisher! It is a lovely weaving together of personal experience, and knowledge from a variety of excellent sources.
During Week 4 we'll learn about MLA Format and you will be required to use that in your Journal entries. I have a separate document I will share with the class During Week 4 about citing traditional oral knowledge.
Best,
Professor Brooke
Growing up in Alaska I have seen devil's club used in many different ways. It is one of the most useful plants out there just as you have proven. I didn’t know they could be so dangerous to eat if not in the right timing (yikes!). We have so much of this plant around us, it surprises me that we don’t make a lot of useful products with them however just like you mention these plants are to be respected. I agree that we should only take as much as we need or else we risk losing the plant entirely.
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