Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (Toothache Tree)

$ 62.98

Size
Only 2 left in stock.

Also known as Hercules Club, Pepperbark, Prickly Ash. 

Toothache Tree is an aromatic (chewing the leaves and bark is a home remedy for toothache; it numbs the pain), spiny, small to medium-sized tree with leathery compound leaves. It is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in sun to shade. It tolerates poor soils. It typically grows to 20-30’ tall, but often matures to a much shorter height as a large shrub. It can form thickets. Male and female flowers appear on separate trees. Flowers are followed by red seed pods which appear only on female trees.  

Toothache Tree is one of the best larval food sources (host plant) for the Giant Swallowtail butterflies. It also provides an excellent source of seeds and fruit for birds. 

Toothache Tree can be used for hedgerows, screens, naturalized woodland areas or integrated into native plantings. 

 

AT A GLANCE

Texas native Yes
Water use Medium
Sun exposure Sun to shade
Bloom color Yellow, green
Bloom time Spring
Mature height 15-30 ft
Mature spread 10-25 ft
Attracts Birds, butterflies
Host plant Giant Swallowtail butterfly
Notes Chewing bark and leaves can numb toothache.

 

DISTRIBUTION MAPS 

USDA MAP

BONAP MAP

 Present in state
 Present in county and native
 Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state         
 Not present in state
 Present and rare, native in county
 Previously present, now extinct
 Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color)