Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier Flora -- Oplopanax horridus -- (Devil's club)

presented by Susan McDougall


Oplopanax horridus

Named for the forbidding spines, this is a common lowland plant of wet areas, growing beneath the forest canopy. In the spring, a tall stout pyramidal raceme of small greenish-white flowers further confirms the presence of this well-armed species.

Author: Susan McDougall
Ohanapecosh, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7408, -121.5675, 1955
Date: June 20, 2014
Oplopanax horridus

The leaves are borne on tall stems and are palmately lobed, toothed, and also spiny. This is the only member of the Aralia Family in the Park. It is related to the exotic English Ivy.

Author: Susan McDougall
Twin Firs trail, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7339, -121.83791
Date: June 30, 2016
Oplopanax horridus

In autumn, large clusters of reddish berries may be seen. They soon fall, and the leaves transform to a muted yellow.

Author: Susan McDougall
Westside Road, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7503, -121.8893, 2375
Date: September 9, 2016

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