Aurelia spinosa, commonly called the devil's walking stick, is a species of plant known for it's sharp, spiny stems and compound leaves.
Transcript (edited for clarity):
RUDY MANCKE:
Hi, this is Rudy Mancke from USC for NatureNotes.
I've had a number of people ask about a shrub that's flowering right now — bunches of white flowers, umbel shaped, flat topped groups of flowers, right along interstate highways. It's what I used to call, and still do, the devil's walking stick. Aurelia spinosa [is the scientific name] and it's in the ginseng family.
Loves the edge of woods, or in the woods where maybe a tree has fallen and lets some light in. Doubly, triply, compound leaves — I mean, it's incredible. Spines all over the thing. Devil's walking stick. Find it throughout South Carolina. Fruits dark. Find it from August to October, and lots of animals take advantage of that opportunity.
Look for it. It's impressive.
