Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridus) is a distinctive plant found predominantly in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, known for its thick, spiny stems and large, maple-shaped leaves. This unique plant frequently raises questions regarding its potential toxicity, especially given its thorny exterior.
Understanding Devil’s Club’s Toxicity
Devil’s Club is not conventionally “poisonous” in the sense of being lethal upon ingesting small amounts, but it does possess irritant properties. Its sharp spines cover its stems, leaves, and even leaf veins. These spines easily detach and embed in the skin, causing irritation.
Beyond physical irritation, the plant’s sap and compounds can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. The berries, though consumed by bears, are toxic to humans, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Severe cases are rare due to their bitter taste. While some compounds may be toxic in high doses, there is no evidence of toxicity when used in recommended amounts.
Symptoms and Immediate Action
Contact with Devil’s Club spines results in immediate skin irritation, characterized by redness, itching, swelling, and a rash. Embedded spines can be difficult to remove and may fester, potentially leading to small skin eruptions or boils. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions can occur. If spines become lodged in the eyes, it can lead to serious injury.
Should skin contact occur, immediately remove any visible prickles with tweezers and thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water. Applying an anti-inflammatory cream, such as hydrocortisone cream, may help reduce irritation. If a rash develops or symptoms worsen, seek medical advice. For accidental ingestion of berries, rinse the mouth and monitor for symptoms like nausea or stomach upset; seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Traditional Uses and Safe Handling
Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska have long recognized Devil’s Club for its medicinal and spiritual significance. Various parts, including the root bark and stems, have been prepared as teas, tinctures, salves, and poultices to address conditions such as arthritis, pain, infections, and respiratory issues. These applications often involve specific processing methods, such as simmering the bark, which can mitigate the plant’s irritant properties.
The plant’s spiny nature also contributed to its spiritual uses, with beliefs in its protective and cleansing properties. When encountering Devil’s Club in the wild, wear protective gear such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and heavy gloves to prevent skin contact with the spines. Harvesting often involves careful preparation, like scoring the plant before cutting, and using thick gloves to remove spines from the bark.