Colima (Zanthoxylum fagara): Lime Prickly-Ash

Colima, also known as lime prickly-ash, wild lime, or cat's claw, is a thorny shrub or small tree native to southern US, Mexico, and Caribbean, with aromatic foliage and medicinal uses.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This deciduous to semi-evergreen plant grows 15–25 feet tall with sharp, curved thorns on branches. Leaves are pinnate, with citrus-like fragrance when crushed. Flowers are small, greenish-yellow. Fruit is a small, red capsule splitting to reveal black seeds.

Cultivation and Uses

Colima prefers full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant. Used in native landscaping, barrier plantings (thorns), and for wildlife. The bark and leaves have traditional medicinal uses (toothache, colds). Host plant for giant swallowtail butterfly.

Note

Related to Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum simulans).