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Zanthoxylum fagara
Zanthoxylum fagara (L.) Sarg.
Lime Prickly Ash, Colima
Rutaceae (Rue Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ZAFA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Evergreen shrub or small tree with spreading rounded crown, often with a leaning trunk; aromatic, spiny, with tiny gland-dots on foliage, flowers, and fruit.
The powdered bark and leaves have a sharp taste and have been used also as a spice. The crushed foliage has an odor of limes, as the common names suggest.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 20 feet tall.
Fruit: Brown
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , GreenBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: FL , TXNative Distribution: Central and S. Florida, Florida Keys, and S. Texas; also N. Mexico; to 500' (152 m).
Native Habitat: Chaparral & brush country
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Aromatic, Fruits ornamentalUse Wildlife: Browse, Nectar-insects, Cover, Nesting site, Fruit-birds
Use Food: The fruit is edible, with a lemon zest taste that first tingles, then numbs in the mouth, like the Chinese culinary ingredient, Szechuan pepper, also a Zanthoxylum species. Dried, ground leaves are sometimes used as a spice and have a similar taste and effect.
Use Medicinal: All visible plant parts have the ability to numb the mouth in high amounts, and in small amounts cause a refreshing tingling, which has led to this Zanthoxylum species being a common ingredient in natural toothpastes and tooth powders, usually identified as Prickly Ash. It is also used to numb mouth pain, with the bark being most commonly employed.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Northern Sicklewing (Eantis tamenund) ![]() Larval Host |
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX
Wildflower Center Seed Bank
LBJWC-1060 Collected 2007-07-09 in Cameron County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterBibliography
Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Zanthoxylum fagara in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Zanthoxylum fagara in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Zanthoxylum fagara
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-03-29Research By: TWC Staff