Sticklebush

Known Location

Ford Hold

Growth form:

Bush, grows in patches; in early spring there are no leaves to hide the hairlike, nearly invisible thorns that cover twig and branch.

Uses:

Edible: Berries are used in preservatives. Dried leaves and twigs have bitter, acrid, drying taste.

Outside Info:

Sap rises in early spring, and it is the worst time to get caught in the bush. Stickle slivers can work their way through flesh into the blood. If a sliver reaches your heart, you could die from it. Most slivers can be pulled out by hand or tweezer, but some need poulticing to draw out the sliver.