For most deer enthusiasts, if you already have it on your property, you can encourage more growth by either using dormant root cuttings stored in cool, damp sand until spring and/or transplanting of suckers (ramets). However, be aware that it can have invasive tendencies and may spread by way of shoots from rhizomes.
In keeping with its namesake, the Devil's Walking Stick is mildly toxic, not uncommon for plants that have medicinal properties. Raw berries can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested in sufficient quantities. The toxins are concentrated in the seeds of the berries, which, if chewed, can result in poisoning.
The Devil's walking stick can be found growing in disturbed areas and along forest edges throughout a large swath of eastern North America. When young it is a rather spiny lot. These are not true spines, which are modified parts of leaves, but rather prickles, which arise from extensions of the cortex or epidermis.
The Cherokee used the Devil's Walking Stick in many different ways. The crushed roots were used as a salve for sores. An infusion of the roots was used to promote vomiting. It should be noted that the Cherokee used vomiting as a way of cleansing the body.. . . . .364011235143!]0000000000000009783314144471!]
