Zanthoxylum americanum
Also Known As
- PRICKLY ASH
Plant type
tree, shrub
size
- H: 15'-25'
- W: 10'-20'
planting zones
- 3a-9b
Zanthoxylum americanum plant details
Zanthoxylum americanum is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring chartreuse flowers emerge followed by brown and red fruit. Attracts bees, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Zanthoxylum americanum
- Plant type: shrub or tree
- Plant family: rutaceae
- Foliage: deciduous green
- Mature size: 10 FT - 20 FT - wide, 15 FT - 25 FT - tall
- Flowers: chartreuse blooms in spring
- Uses: citrus-scented, fragrant, fragrant foliage, lemon-scented
GROWING CONDITIONS for Zanthoxylum americanum
- USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
- Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
- Watering frequency: regular - low
- Resistant to: deer and rabbit, humidity
- Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
Commonly called prickly ash, as this highly aromatic (lemony), spiny, thicket-forming deciduous shrub/tree has foliage that somewhat resembles an ash leaf, except prickly. It isn't an ash at all but a member of the citrus family. Natively found growing in the rocky hillsides and open woods of the eastern United States. Although it usually becomes an 8-10' tall multi-stemmed shrub, it occasionally takes a tree form up to 25' tall. Compound, deep-green leaves have 5-11 leaflets each. Stems and leaves have sharp prickles up to ½" long. Spring brings non-showy flowers which are greenish-yellow and fragrant, quite attractive to bees. Female flowers (if pollinated by a male plant) give way to clusters of attractive dark-brown fruits which mature to show 1-2 shiny black seeds. It is called toothache tree because the Native Americans chewed the numbing bark or fruits for relief from toothache pain. Ours are unsexed seedlings. S-PSh/M
By: Forestfarm
Gardening facts about Zanthoxylum americanum plant
How to Grow Zanthoxylum americanum
Sun Exposure
- sun - dappled shade
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- clay
- adaptable
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- humidity tolerant
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- chartreuse
Wildlife
- birds
- bees
- butterflies
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Fruit
- red
- brown
Flower Season
- spring
Foliage Season
- deciduous
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Zanthoxylum for your garden
aka Japanese pepper, Prickly Ash, Sichuan Pepper
Plant Type
Tree
Zones
6a-10b
Size
Height: 15'-25'
Width: 8'-10'
- sun
- regular
View Plant
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