Northern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum): Aromatic, Thorny Shrub for Wildlife and Numbing Spice

Overview

Northern prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), also called common prickly ash, is a thicket-forming, deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It has sharp, paired thorns, pinnately compound leaves with citrus fragrance, and small, greenish-yellow flowers in spring, followed by red, berry-like follicles that split to reveal black seeds. The bark and fruits produce a tingling, numbing sensation (sanshool).

Botanical Details

• Family: Rutaceae (rue/citrus family)
• Genus: Zanthoxylum
• Species: americanum

Ecology & Uses

Full sun to shade, adaptable to various soils. Forms impenetrable thickets—good for wildlife cover. Host for giant swallowtail butterfly. Berries used as spice (similar to Sichuan pepper); bark for toothache (numbing). Medicinal: circulatory stimulant, antifungal. Thorns make handling difficult. Hardy in USDA zones 3-7.