HERCULES CLUB
Aralia spinosa, L.
Form.—A small tree or shrub sometimes attaining a height of 20-30 feet and a diameter of 6-8 inches. The trunk is usually without branches for two-thirds of its length. Branches horizontal, stout, and stubby. The trunk and branches are armed with large prickles.
Leaves.—Alternate, compound or doubly compound, often 3 feet long and 2-2½ feet across; leaflets ovate, pointed, serrate; pale beneath.
Flowers.—June-August; polygamous; cream white, arranged in large, spreading panicles made up of numerous small umbels.
Fruit.—Matures in autumn; an ovoid black berry about ¼ inch long each terminated with a black persistent style.
Bark.—Smooth, except on old trunks which are roughened by shallow furrows; brown outside, yellow inside, covered with stout prickles.
Wood.—Soft, brittle, weak, brown with yellow streaks.
Range.—New York to Missouri and southward.
Distribution in West Virginia.—Common locally west of the Alleghanies.
Habitat.—Often associated with grape vines in thickets on burnt hillsides, and in rich soil of bottom lands and swamp borders.
Notes.—Hercules Club or Angelica-tree is often erroneously called Prickly Ash. It has no commercial importance except as an ornament. Whether in bloom or in fruit the tree is very attractive and should be seen more often on the lawn. The fruit is eagerly eaten by birds.