Common Prickly Ash / Northern Toothache Tree (Zanthoxylum americanum)

Family: Rutaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

An armed, aromatic native deciduous shrub or small tree in the citrus family, bearing odd-pinnate leaves with prickly stems, tiny yellowish spring flowers, and small reddish-brown seed capsules containing glossy black seeds that cause an electric buzzing sensation on the tongue.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Bark/Inner Bark, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sharp lemon-lime citrus aroma followed immediately by an electric, buzzing, numbing sensation (sanshool effect) — Mature reddish outer seed husks collected and dried as North America’s native Sichuan peppercorn spice; Ground husks dusted over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and wild rice for a citrusy, numbing seasoning; Fresh leaves steeped into a zesty lemon-tingled aromatic field tea; Chewing tiny bark or berry pieces produces a historical mild numbing effect that relieved toothaches

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky woods, bluffs, limestone glades, thickets, fencerows, and open river terraces. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)