Common Name(s): | Prickly-Ash, Texas Hercules-club, Ash,Prickly |
Scientific Name: | Zanthoxylum hirsutum |
Family: | Rutaceae |
Longevity: | Perennial |
Season: | Cool |
Origin: | Native |
Height: | 5 m |
Flowers: | April - May |
Fruits: | Summer |
Description: A shrub or small tree found on sandy soil in open areas and along fence rows in the southcentral U.S. Branches and stems equipped with short, stout spines. Bark is thin and smooth with small corky-based spines. Leaves are aromatic when crushed. Leaflets range from 5 to 11, are small and elliptical or ovate in shape. The leaves can cause a mouth numbing sensation when chewed. Historically used to relieve toothache. Fruit is eaten by some species of birds and the foliage is occasionally browsed by white-tailed deer. Appears to hybridize with Zanthoxylum clava-herculis, where their ranges overlap. Also often called Texas hercules-club and Tickle tongue. |