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Pioneer Cemetery

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The roots and fruit of the Devil’s walking stick were used by the early settlers as a home remedy to improve blood circulation. Today we know that eating any part of the tree may be hazardous to your health! It usually grows as a straight, branchless trunk with a broad crown of leaves like a palm.


Illustration of a Devil's Walking Stick, by local artist Ann Bittick

Illustration of a Devil's Walking Stick, by local artist Ann Bittick

Devil's Walking Stick

Devil's Walking Stick

Devil's Walking Stick

Devil's Walking Stick

The Devil’s Walking Stick is also known as an Angelica tree, but is also sometimes mistakenly called a prickly ash or Hercules club, although the Devil's Walking Stick is a distinctly different species with smaller leaves and without the distinctive bumps on the trunk. It typically grows as a set of vertical branchless trunks with broad leaves, often resembling a umbrella, and while not usually tall can grow twice as high in southern climates than in northern ones. The trunk of a Devil's Walking Stick, covered in leaf scars and broken ridges, turns from light to dark brown over time.

Branches in Time: Notable and Historic Trees of Old Washington Historic State Park. Little Rock, AR. Arkansas State Parks, 2001.

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Historic Washington State Park

Historic Washington State Park

Historic Washington State Park