Zanthoxylum americanum – Prickly-ash, Toothache tree

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Rutaceae

Zanthoxylum americanum – Prickly-ash, Toothache tree

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Grows from a shrub shape to small, sometimes multi-stemmed tree with a round crown. On the twigs there are two thorns under each bud. On mature bark, these thorns are sometimes visible as small bumps. The imparipinnate leaves consist of 5 to 11, sometimes 13 dark green oval to ovate leaf segments. On the leaf stem there are always 1 or 2 prickles where the leaf segments are attached. The axillary clusters of green-yellow flowers appear before the leaf development and are not very conspicuous. They are followed by black fruits. These are aromatic, very sharp tasting and have a numbing effect. Indians used to chew on the fruit to relieve toothache. It is for this reason it is known as the Toothache Tree. It is a quite inconspicuous park tree suitable for defensive planting. Has few soil requirements and is very hardy.

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Specifications
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Height
4 - 8 m
Crown
round, half-open crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
twigs brown and short-haired, bark grey
Leaf
imparipinnate with 5 - 13 leaf segments, oval to ovate, dark green, 3 - 6 cm , feathered leaf
Flowers
in axillar♂ clusters, yellow-green, April
Fruits
fleshy round capsules, black, aromatic
Spines/thorns
Yes
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
few requirements
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
4 (-34,4 to -28,9 °C)
Wind resistance
fairly to good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for butterflies
Application
parks, tree containers, cemeteries, roof gardens, large gardens
Shape
clearstem tree
Origin
Eastern North America
Clear stem tree clay soil loamy soil nutrient-poor soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) can withstand wind half-open crown green yellowgreen average growing Feathered leaf valuable for butterflies non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing Ornamental fruit yes
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Frequently asked questions
Zanthoxylum americanum

Zanthoxylum americanum can eventually reach a height of 4 - 8 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Zanthoxylum americanum is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 4 - 8 m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Zanthoxylum americanum is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Zanthoxylum americanum with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Zanthoxylum americanum blooms in april.
General