Zanthoxylum americanum aka Northern Prickly Ash

Taxonomy

Common names

Northern Prickly Ash, Toothachetree, Prickly Ash

How to care for Northern Prickly Ash

Difficulty

Northern Prickly Ash is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Northern Prickly Ash should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Northern Prickly Ash loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Northern Prickly Ash prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Northern Prickly Ash should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Northern Prickly Ash’s native range is Eastern N. America - Quebec to Florida, west to Minnesota and Oklahoma.


More info:
Wikipedia