Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Zanthoxylem Americanum

Size:

20'-30' tall

Leaves:

alternate, odd-pinnately compound, 6"-8" long, with 7-17 toothed and pointed leaflets, often with 1 or 2 spines on main stalk where leaflets are attached

Flowers:

greenish yellow, inconspicuous, fragrant, attractive to bees

Fruit:

1/4" long, light tan pod, each containing a shiny black seed

Fall Interest:

deciduous

Culture:

sun to partial sun; medium moisture, well-drained soil; freely suckers to form dense thickets

Disease/Insect:

Use:

woodland garden, native garden, pollinator garden

Cultivars:

Notes:

bark thin, light gray, rough with protuberances that often end in stout spines; stems have 1/2" stout prickles; Native Americans chewed the bark for toothache relief; native to Arkansas