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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas Devil’s Walking StickContents:Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedRoot and berries
Description of Plant(s) and CultureThe largest North American member of the ginseng family. It may grow to 30 feet tall, with a trunk 6 inches in diameter. Sharp curved spines surround joints on the trunk, especially of younger specimens. The large compound leaves (to 6 feet long) are twice divided and topped in summer by an enormous panicle of tiny white blossoms in umbels. The purple-red berries form by September or October. Woody; 30 ft. tall with trunk 6 inches in diameter. Main stem and leaf stalks with any sharp, often stout, spines. Leaves large (to 6 ft. long), twice-divided; leaflets numerous, oval, toothed. Tiny white flowers in umbels, in a very large panicle (flowers July-September); purple-red berries form by September or October.
Where FoundRich woods, alluvial soils. Southern New England (cultivated) to Florida; Texas north to Michigan.
UsesIn folk tradition, fresh bark strongly emetic, purgative, thought to cause salivation. Tincture of berries used for toothaches, and rheumatic pain. Root poulticed for boils, skin eruptions, and swelling. In folk tradition, fresh bark used as strong emetic, purgative, thought to cause salivatioon. Tincture of berries used for toothaches, rheumatic pain. Root poulticed for boils, skin eruptions, swelling.
How SoldTincture
WarningHandling roots may cause dermatitis. Large amounts of berries poisonous.
Use with professional medical supervision.
Bibliography
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Angelica tree 
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants
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