Winged Prickly Ash

Zanthoxylum alatum

Physical Characteristics

Zanthoxylum alatum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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 - China to the Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment The seed is ground into a powder and used as a condiment[183]. A pepper substitute, it is widely used in the Orient[105, 132, 158, 183]. A light roasting brings out more of the flavour[206]. The seed is an ingredient of the famous Chinese 'five spice' mixture[206]. The fruit is rather small but is produced in clusters which makes harvesting easy[K]. Each fruit contains a single seed. Young leaves are used as a condiment[105, 158, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Cholera Miscellany Odontalgic Stimulant Stomachic Tonic The seeds and the bark are used as an aromatic tonic in the treatment of fevers, dyspepsia and cholera[240]. The fruits, branches and thorns are considered to be carminative and stomachic[46, 61, 146, 158, 240]. They are used as a remedy for toothache[240].

Known Hazards

None known