African prickly ash Plant Care

African prickly ash (Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Zanthoxylum genus. African prickly ash is also known as West African prickly ash.

African prickly ash displays an upright, small tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. African prickly ash produces small clusters of white or greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African prickly ash every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African prickly ash thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. African prickly ash prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for African prickly ash to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African prickly ash every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added sand and perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African prickly ash is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African prickly ash can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune African prickly ash while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

African prickly ash is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African prickly ash can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sichuan pepper plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African prickly ash is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, citrus leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

African prickly ash grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow African prickly ash as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.