Zanthoxylum ailanthoides

Physical Characteristics

Zanthoxylum ailanthoides is a deciduous Tree growing to 18 m (59ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - S. China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Seed - cooked. A pungent flavour, it is used as a condiment[178]. A red pepper substitute[178]. The fruit is rather small but is produced in clusters which makes harvesting easy[K]. Each fruit contains a single seed. Young leaves[105]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Antitussive Carminative Stimulant The resin contained in the bark, and especially in that of the roots, is antitussive, carminative, and powerfully stimulant[82, 178].

Known Hazards

None known