Contents
Description
Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum, also known as Hercules’ Club or Prickly Ash, is a deciduous plant native to North America. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and can grow up to 10 feet tall. The plant has thorny branches, green leaves, and small yellow-green flowers that bloom in the spring. Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum produces small black or red berries that are edible but extremely spicy.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Zanthoxylum |
Appearance
Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum has a unique appearance due to its thorny branches and small yellow-green flowers. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and has green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum produces small black or red berries that are extremely spicy and not commonly used for food.
Care Guide
To care for Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum prefers moist soil but can tolerate some dry spells.Fertilization: The plant can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.Soil: Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum is relatively disease-resistant but can be affected by scale insects and spider mites. It is important to regularly check the plant for signs of infestation and promptly treat any issues with an insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum is native to North America and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and swamps.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the berries of Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum be used for cooking?
A: Yes, but the berries are extremely spicy and are not commonly used for food.
Q: Is Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum easy to care for?
A: Yes, the plant is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate some dry spells and pests.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum?
A: The plant is hardy in zones 4-9.
Q: Can Zanthoxylum Clava-Herculis Subsp. Fruticosum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, but the plant can grow up to 10 feet tall, so a large container is necessary.
Related Plants
- Zanthoxylum americanum
- Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
- Zanthoxylum fagara
- Zanthoxylum simulans
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Zanthoxylum clava-herculis subsp. fruticosum. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ZACLF2
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Zanthoxylum clava-herculis subsp. fruticosum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=288155&isprofile=0&
- North Carolina State Extension. (n.d.). Hercules’ Club. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/zanthoxylum-clava-herculis-subsp-fruticosum/
