The roots and shoots of Devils club are edible. The shoots are only edible for the first few days after they appear in early spring, however. The time to harvest is when the spiny stalk first sprouts green growth. The leaf spines, though visible, are soft and pliable at this stage.

Are devil's club berries edible?

In nature, prickles are usually an adaptation that plants evolved to dissuade animals from eating them. Clever humans, with gloves and tools, can dig the plump roots of Devil’s Club, peel them, and eat them. I have not encountered reports saying that the berries are edible or toxic.

Is Devil's Club Toxic?

Devil’s Club grows up to 6 metres tall and has large (20 to 40 centimetres across), maple-shaped leaves. It produces small white flowers in spring and bright red fruits in summer. The fruits are considered poisonous to humans but are eaten by bears.