Hi! This is all new to me so...I ride horses and on the weekend noticed along the river hill in Western Pa. a plant that grew in some cases to close to 10 ft. It had leaves similar to sumac and redish purple berries in round clumps at the top only. It was one stem that was similar in appearance to poke berry. There were thorns all around the stem just along the intersections. I have never seen this before. Any ideas?
Your description of the thorns makes me think of Devil's walking stick, Aralia spinosa. Google images of that to see if it matches.
Wow! Thank you thansrose so much for the CORRECT identification of my "mystery" plant! I am familiar with most plants around my area, but this was a new area for our riding. Only 20 miles north of my regular routes, but I have not seen it in all my walking in any other area than here and a little further north in the Allegheny National Forest. I do so appreciate your quick response. Have a great weekend. I can't wait to share my new information!
