Prickly Ash
Zanthoxylum americanum
Rutaceae
Other names
Toothache Tree
Growth habit
Shrub
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Native distribution
Native to the Finger Lakes Region, Extreme SW Que. to E ND, S to GA, AL, OK & E KS
Location
Mundy Wildflower Garden, Eames Bog, Ringwood Ponds
Source of plant
Unknown
Description
A 12-25 ft., many-branched, shrub that often forms dense thickets. Toothachetree or prickly ash is a citrus and all parts are pungent and aromatic. Inconspicuous flowers are followed by small red, turning black, fruits. Stems are armed with nodal pairs of thorns. Compound leaves, resembling ash foliage, are dark-green. Yellow autumn color.
USDA Hardiness Zone
3
Status
L2|S5|G5