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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)

Clay, Dry, Loam, Sand, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Shrubland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Green, Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Forage, Fruit, Nectar, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Browsers, 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.

Description

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

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason