Day 117: Some of my readers may not be familiar with this plant. You're the lucky ones. It's Devil's-Club, Oplopanax horridus. The stalks grow up to 10 feet in height and every square inch is covered in hard needle-like thorns. Likewise, the veins on the undersides of the leaves are heavily armed. One careless encounter, one quick grab to stabilize yourself is all it takes to demonstrate the reason for its common name. Pacific Northwesterners dread it more than nettles, blackberries or wild roses. In late summer, a panicle of red berries rises above the foliage, a fruit which is enjoyed immensely by bears. Lucky bear! His coat is too thick for the thorns to pierce, unlike your good Goretex jacket or your heavy trail pants.
