It looks to me like most shrubs have budded and started putting out leaves already, but not the devil’s club. I looked closely today at the stalks, and there did not seem to be even the slightest bit of swelling from the buds. I guess it is a relatively late starter.
I couldn’t help but comment on this 8-yr old post. I have Devil’s Club in my backyard, and it is already leafing out. Maybe because we’re a lot further south?