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Native Plant Society of Texas

Lime Prickly-Ash

Zanthoxylum fagara

Other common name(s):

Colima, Wild Lime

Family:

Rutaceae (Rue Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

25
to
30
ft.

Spread

6
to
7
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow, Green

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Forage, Nectar, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Birds, Nectar Insects

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Water it regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Can tolerate a range of soil types. One of five native citrus plants of the Lower Rio Grand Valley. Plant away from high traffic areas due to spiny branches. Native habitat: chaparral and brush country. Propagation: seed, cutting.

Comments

Blooms January-June. Grows as a tall shrub or small tree. Branches have curved prickles which provides shelter for wildlife. Leaves are aromatic. Produces tiny, 4 petaled greenish flowers. The fruit is dry and round, turning from reddish color to black. Larval host: Northern Sicklewing and Giant Swallowtail.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder or liquid to encourage root development. Tap off any excess hormone to prevent over-concentration. Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of peat, perlite, and sand. Plant the cutting in the potting mix, ensuring at least one leaf node is below the surface. Water lightly. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a humidity dome to maintain high humidity. Make sure the plastic does not touch the leaves, and provide indirect light but no direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Significant root development should occur after 4-8 weeks. Take cuttings in spring or during autumn and winter. These cooler seasons benefit root development as the plant experiences less transpiration stress. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem from a mature lime prickly ash plant. Use a clean, sharp pruning shears to cut a 4-6 inch piece, making sure there are at least 2-3 leaf nodes present. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Zanthoxylum_fagara.html 2) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-zanthoxylum-fagara/
Seed Scarification Remove seeds from the capsules and soak them in warm water for 24 hours to soften the outer shell. This can help improve germination rates. Plant seeds about half an inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Mist lightly with water and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Germination rate is highest in spring or fall vs summer or winter. Harvest ripe fruit capsules in late summer or fall. Look for capsules that have turned brown and begun to split open, revealing the small, black seeds inside. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-zanthoxylum-fagara/ 2) https://sna.ipps.org/uploads/docs/3k_sr_mikell_2022.pdf

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason