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Zanthoxylum L. (Rutaceae)

A genus of about 250 species of trees and shrubs; America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

One species occurs in North Carolina: Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (Southern toothache tree, Hercules'-club). It is considered native to the state.

Bark of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Bark of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (Copyright W. Cook)
Twig of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Twig of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (Copyright W. Cook)
Leaf of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Leaf of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (Photo: R. Mohlenbrock)
Flowers of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Flowers of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (coming soon)
Fruit of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Fruit of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (Copyright W. Cook)
N.C. distribution of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
N.C. distribution of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

Zanthoxylum clava-herculis (Southern toothache tree, Hercules'-club)
(Uncommon; maritime forests, dunes, shell middens, shell hammocks, maritime scrub, inland in hammocks; CP; Fl: Apr-May; Fr: Jul-Sep)