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[ 2099 ]Zanthoxylum americanum

Prickly Ash Bark Powder

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Wholesale Prickly ash bark

Zanthoxylum americanum
plant overview
lemon scent, bitter taste

Prickly ash, also known as Szechuan pepper and toothache tree, is a small, North American species of tree in the Rutaceae, or yellow wood family. The leaves and fruit of the tree have a lemony scent, although the latter an also the bark deliver a bitter, acrid taste. Prickly ash bark is an ingredient in traditional liquid extracts known as herbal bitters. The bark is also decocted to produce bitter tonics and teas or powdered to make various topical preparations.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on prickly ash tree

description
Zanthoxylum americanum (sometimes written Xanthoxylum americanum) is shrub or small tree of the Rutaceae (citrus) family.

This aromatic plant can reach heights of 33 feet (10 m) with its trunk diameter—at roughly breast height (DBH)—being around 6 inches (15 cm). The tree has pinnately compound leaves with 5–11 membranous leaflets. These dark green leaves are bitter-aromatic, with crenate (round-toothed or scalloped) margins.

Prickly Ash tree also has axillary flower and fruit clusters. Its buds are hairy and new berries are red, but turn deep blue to black, with stalked fruit pods. Flowers are dioecious, with yellow-green petals.

common names & nomenclature
Prickly Ash tree has a distinctive bark with sharp projections that resemble horns, which has given rise to the common names that include "prickly".

Also known as:
northern prickly ash, szechuan pepper, yellow wood, toothache tree, common prickly-ash, common pricklyash, common prickly ash, suterberry, xanthoxylum americanum

Prickly Ash Bark, the tree with a lemon scent and bitter taste

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for prickly ash

Zanthoxylum americanum is native to central and eastern portions of the United States and Canada.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

a little botanical information on prickly ash

climate
Prickly ash trees can be found growing on upland rocky hillsides and on moist low-lying sites. Also found in open woods, on bluffs or in thickets in sun to part shade.

soil
Prickly ash prefers a good deep well-drained moisture retentive soil.

growing
Prickly ash seed is best sown in autumn when just ripe. Sow a in greenhouse. Otherwise stored seed may require up to 3 months cold stratification, though scarification may also reduce that time somewhat. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, plant them out in the garden the following summer. Prickly ash may also be propagated via root cuttings or suckers.

harvesting
The prickly ash tree bark is harvested in autumn and dried in the shade for best results.

preserving
Dried prickly ash bark should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

prickly ash history, folklore, literature & more

Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) is a deciduous shrub native to North America, traditionally recognized by its unique bark and thorny branches. Historically, it earned the nickname "toothache tree" due to its prominent role in Indigenous botanical traditions. Today, it remains a staple in herbal collections, valued for its distinct sensory properties and historical applications.

The bark of the prickly ash contains various alkaloids and volatile oils that contribute to its characteristic tingling sensation when utilized in traditional preparations. Historically, it was prepared as a decoction or tincture and used in various topical and internal roles. In traditional folk practices, prickly ash was often included in formulations centered on supporting the body's natural vitality and digestive system.

In modern botanical use, prickly ash bark is frequently found in liquid extracts, traditional teas, and topical lotions. Because it is a potent botanical, it is important to use it in moderation. Prickly ash bark is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or those with a sensitive digestive system. As with any concentrated herbal product, consulting a healthcare professional is the best way to determine if prickly ash is appropriate for your individual routine.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.