Aralia spinosa, or devil's walking stick, is not recommended to plant, due to invasive tendencies. It is non-native to Ontario and ranges throughout the southeastern United States.� It spreads aggressively through rhizomes, suckers, and is self-seeding, making it unsuitable for small spaces. It can tolerate a wide range of soils. While it prefers moist humusy soils, it will grow in rocky and clay based soils. It also tolerates urban pollution. Handling the plant can cause allergic skin reactions, and it is mildly poisonous if ingested. Regular removal of root suckers is necessary to control its spread. While it faces minimal pest or disease issues, it is susceptible to leaf spots and has large, sharp thorns on its stems. The plant is moderately messy, with seasonal fruit, leaves, and seeds dropping. Although it tolerates urban pollutants, it should be planted in sheltered areas to avoid wind damage.