Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)

Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) is a member of the Rutaceae family, native to Eastern United States, Southeastern United States, and Eastern Canada. Traditionally, its fruits, bark, and leaves have been used for decoctions, powders, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, astringent, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Prickly Ash
Scientific Name	Zanthoxylum americanum
Plant Family	Rutaceae
Genus	Zanthoxylum
Species	americanum
Native Range	Eastern United States, Southeastern United States, Eastern Canada
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Bark, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Astringent, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Powder, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Zanthoxylum americanum
Common Name: Prickly Ash
Synonyms / Alternative Names: American Prickly Ash, Spiny Ash, Spineapple
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Zanthoxylum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with serrate margins, upper surface glabrous and dark green, lower surface pale green with prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescences are terminal racemes bearing actinomorphic flowers with five white petals and five yellow stamens arranged in a single whorl.
Stems: Woody, branched, and often thorned, with opposite or alternate leaf scars and a surface that is either glabrous or sparsely hairy.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Powder
Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing bitter, in bitter herb groupings.
Astringent: As described in traditional systems, a calming astringent, for skin-related applications.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a mild anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Carminative: Commonly referenced as a warming carminative, in relation to gastrointestinal comfort.

Active Compounds

Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: Reports indicate that this herb may exhibit toxic properties in some contexts.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers seasonally moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.