Leaf Identification
With the largest leaves in North America, the leaves of the Devil’s Walking Stick can be up to 5 feet long. They have bi- or tri-pinnately compund leaves, and the secondary leaflets are usually 2″ to 4″ long. The margins are serrated, and the veins are pinnate. The rachis and petiole have scattered prickles.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twigs of the Devil’s Walking Stick are usually gray to straw-colored. They are covered in spines, and the U-shaped leaf scars usually circle over half of the twig. The buds are ovoid with a few scales.
Bark Identification
The Devil’s Walking Stick’s bark has sharp spines all over. Old and tall trees sometimes form shallow furrows.
Fruit Identification
The fruit of the Devil’s Walking Stick is a purple to black drupe that clusters on a tan to red peduncle (main inflorescence stem). Each drupe is around 1/4″ long. The fruits mature around late summer.
Flower Identification
The flowers of the Devil’s Walking Stick are white and very small. Each flower has 5 petals. They are on panicles, and these clusters are are very big (some reaching 4′ long) at the end of branches. They bloom throughout the summer.