Sticklebush|

[Onyxaeon]

Sticklebush is, obviously, a bush, and grows in tight patches among other Sticklebushes. In early spring there are no leaves to hide the hairlike, nearly invisible thorns that cover twig and branch. 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. Its berries are used for sweet preserves. Dried leaves and twigs have a bitter, acrid, drying taste.

Warnings: If a sliver reaches your heart, you could DIE from it.