Devil’s Walkin’ Stick
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "devil’s walking stick" is the name for a tall, thorn-covered plant (Aralia spinosa). With its spindly stalk and wicked spines, it looks like something the devil might use for a cane.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've only known it as 'devil’s walking stick,' and it'll mess you up. Pop a tire on your tractor even, it's loading with rigid stickers. Hillbilly Dude Says...
I've only known it as 'devil’s walking stick,' and it'll mess you up. Pop a tire on your tractor even, it's loading with rigid stickers. Pronunciation
[DEV-uhlz waw-kin stik]
Meaning & Usage
- A thorny tree or shrub (Aralia spinosa) (noun)
Mae:
Watch out - that’s a devil’s walking stick.
Watch out - that’s a devil’s walking stick.
Earl:
variations: Aralia spinosa, prickly ash, toothache tree, Hercules’ club, devil’s cane, thorn cane
★ Despite its wicked thorns, the plant has long been used in folk medicine for toothaches and stomach troubles. Some folks also call it Hercules’ club, but in the hills it’s usually the "devil’s walking stick." ★
Origin and Etymology
Usage Notes
Common in Appalachian and Southern woods, fence rows, and pastures. Kids are often warned about it by this name. Less common in everyday talk today, but still well known in rural areas.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "devil’s walkin’ stick." The "g" in "walking" often drops.