Jesse Saylor
Family
Rutaceae
Botanical Name
Zanthoxylum americanum
Plant Common Name
Common Pricklyash
General Description
This prickly, suckering large shrub from moist woods of central and eastern North America was once valued as a medicinal plant. It has little ornamental merit.
The glossy, aromatic, pinnately compound leaves of common pricklyash emerge in early to mid-spring, soon after its tiny greenish-yellow flowers appear. The leaves have 5 to 11 elliptic to oval leaflets and are alternately borne along the spiny gray branches. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants, with female plants producing red warty berry-like fruits containing one or two large black seeds. Plants often spread by underground suckers to form extensive thickets.
This hardy shrub thrives in moist, fertile soil in full or partial sun. Plant it where its spines and suckering habit will not be a nuisance. Use common pricklyash in naturalistic plantings within its native range. This shrub has numerous medicinal properties and may pose health risks: see http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=111794 .
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m
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Width
10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Thicket/Colonizing
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow Green
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Fruit Color
Red, Orange Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
