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Prickly Ash, Toothache Tree, Tickle-Tongue

The species name, clava-herculis, means "club of Hercules," and refers to the trunk's thorny character. Zanthoxylem is Greek for "yellow wood." All parts have a pungent aroma. A number of species of birds eat the fruit, but they might be toxic to humans. Try this: Pick a leaflet or two and crush them in your fingers. Can you smell the strong odor?

Quick ID:

Small tree with a broad, rounded crown, easily recognized by the corky-based prickles on the trunk and branches. Leaves alternate, odd-pinnately compound of 5-19 leaflets. Bitter aromatic, tickling or numbing of the mouth when chewed

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