Hi, Linda! Is your plant the spiny one? Aralia spinosa (devil's walking stick).

I planted them in their permanent spots back in 2010 I think, never bothered with mulch, grass growing by them, so they are still shorter than me(6'), full sun and dry conditions. Aralia spinosa seems to spread out via suckers rather than being interested in the vertical growth game. It should flower within a year or two after you plant it, so flowers sooner than beebee tree, since that hasn't flowered for me yet. Another great thing about Aralia spinosa is great purple fall color, too.

I read conflicting report about the cold hardiness of Devil's Walking Stick and Bee Bee Tree in zone 5a. I like to hear about your personal experience (not info perpetuated in the web)growing these plants. I like to grow them as bee forage. Do they grow and FLOWER in zone 5a? I'm in northern Illinois. Any personal and/or local experience (northern Illinois, Wisconsin or Zone 5a resident)is appreciated. Thanks.

I just wanted to make sure that you know the plant. My father planted one on his property about 12 years ago. It began taking over the area and at first it was thought that since the AS looked so nice, it would be OK. Last year a bulldozer was used to remove most from the area leaving only the main tree and two others. It had spread throughout an area 300 feet by 200 feet and was stopping any native from establishing itself. It spreads underground through massive root systems. I have two which he gave me. I've been able to control them by placing both in an area which we mow everytime the lawn needs a cut. I will also pull out small ones if I see them surface and this year I pulled at least 15 out, some as far away as 3 feet. Folks often ask me for the small ones but so far I have refused after seeing what it did on my father's property. The birds love the seeds here so I rarely get to even see them mature. It's a great tree for late season pollinators and migrating Monarchs, not to mention it's wonderful structure and all year interest.