Northern Prickly Ash

Zanthoxylum americanum, Rutaceae

Zones

3–7

Layer

Understory

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

ProducerPest ConfuserBeneficial Insect HabitatNitrogen Fixer

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (preferred)Full Sun (tolerated)

Water

Moderate (established)High (seedling)

Soil pH

6 – 8

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Desert Scrub OakQuercus turbinella

Pest DeterrentBeneficial Insect Habitat

Pacific CrabappleMalus fusca

Pest DeterrentBeneficial Insect Habitat

ThimbleberryRubus parviflorus

Pest DeterrentPhysical Support

Scrub HickoryCarya floridana

Pest DeterrentBeneficial Insect Habitat

Pacific PlumPrunus subcordata

Pest DeterrentBeneficial Insect Habitat

Rioja PersimmonDiospyros riojae

Pest DeterrentBeneficial Insect HabitatPollinator Sharing

Aprikyra PlumcotPrunus × dasycarpa

Pest DeterrentBeneficial Insect HabitatPollinator Sharing

Antagonistic Plants

Chinese Prickly AshZanthoxylum simulans

Prickly ash species produce aromatic compounds that may inhibit nearby plants and compete for soil resources.

Uses

Functions

Spice ProductionMedicinalWildlife Habitat

Edible Parts

BerriesLeavesBark

Medicinal Uses

Toothache RemedyDigestive StimulantCirculatory Tonic

Common Questions

What zones does Northern Prickly Ash grow in?

Northern Prickly Ash grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7.

Is Northern Prickly Ash a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Northern Prickly Ash is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Northern Prickly Ash?

Good companions for Northern Prickly Ash include Desert Scrub Oak, Pacific Crabapple, Thimbleberry, Scrub Hickory, Pacific Plum.

Design guilds with Northern Prickly Ash and see companion relationships visually.

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