Echinopanax horridus, Fatsia horrida)[2] is a large understory shrub native to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, but also disjunct on islands in Lake Superior.

It is noted for its large palmate leaves and erect, woody stems covered in noxious and irritating spines.

The plants are slow growing and take many years to reach seed-bearing maturity; this makes them very sensitive to human impact as they do not reproduce quickly.

[6] Traditionally, the charcoal from the stalks is still used to make ceremonial and protective face paints, and among the Ditidaht and neighboring groups, it was equally significant to red ochre as a symbolic link to the spirit world.

Indigenous peoples such as the Tlingit and Haida have used the plant as traditional medicine for ailments such as adult-onset diabetes, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.

[7] The plant has been used ceremonially by the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida people residing in Southeast Alaska and coastal British Columbia.