Zanthoxylum clava-herculis native butterfly host tree
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis native butterfly host tree
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis native butterfly host tree
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis native butterfly host tree
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis native butterfly host tree
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis native butterfly host tree
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Toothache Tree

Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

$14.50 Sold out
USDA Zones 6–10 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 20–35 Feet
Size: Bare Root

Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery

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Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
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The Full Story

Toothache Tree is a small to medium sized deciduous tree with shiny compound leaves and prickles on leaves and stems. The trunks develop curious thorn tipped corky projections. The greenish flower clusters are followed by shiny black seeds.

It is a good butterfly larval food plant. Primarily coastal in the Southeast but found more inland in Texas. Biting on a bit of the inner bark causes a curious numbing sensation once used to relieve toothaches.
Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Size: Bare Root
Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 6–10
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained, Clay, Loam, Sandy
Mature size
Height 20–35 Feet · Spread 12–15 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Deciduous
Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Foliage

  • Deciduous leaves, pinnately compound, with 7–19 oval to lance-shaped leaflets per stem.
  • Each leaflet is dark green, glossy, and slightly serrated, resembling those of citrus trees.
  • Crushed leaves release a strong citrus-like fragrance.
  • In fall, foliage turns yellow to golden brown before dropping.

Flowers

  • Small, greenish-yellow flowers appear in clusters at the ends of branches.
  • Blooms in spring to early summer (March–May, depending on climate).
  • Dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are typically on separate trees.
  • Flowers are not showy, but they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies due to their nectar.

Fruit

  • Produces small, round, reddish-brown fruits (drupes) that ripen in late summer to fall.
  • When mature, the fruit splits open, revealing shiny black seeds.
  • Seeds are aromatic, containing compounds similar to Sichuan peppercorns, causing a tingling or numbing effect when consumed.
  • Fruits provide a food source for birds and wildlife.

Bark

  • One of the most distinctive features of this tree is its rough, corky bark, which is covered in sharp, conical spines.
  • The trunk and branches develop large, wart-like projections, giving it a gnarled, armored appearance.
  • Bark has historically been used for its medicinal properties, particularly as a toothache remedy due to its numbing alkaloids.
  • Older trees develop a deeply furrowed, textured bark with increased ruggedness over time.
Care

Read our full care guide

Sunlight Requirements

  • Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
  • Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.

Soil Preferences

  • Adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and well-drained clay soils.
  • Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions but does not tolerate waterlogged soils.
  • Tolerates poor, rocky, and nutrient-deficient soils.

Watering Needs

  • Drought-tolerant once established; occasional deep watering in prolonged dry spells can help maintain vigor.
  • Young trees require regular watering for the first 1–2 years to establish a strong root system.

Temperature & Hardiness

  • Hardy in USDA Zones 6–10.
  • Tolerates hot, humid conditions, making it well-suited for the southeastern U.S..
  • Can withstand occasional cold snaps but may suffer damage in prolonged freezes.

Growth Rate & Mature Size

  • Moderate growth rate, reaching 20–35 feet tall with a spreading, open canopy.
  • Develops a distinctive, spiny trunk and branches, giving it a unique architectural appeal.

Fertilization

  • Generally low-maintenance and does not require fertilization in nutrient-rich soils.
  • If growth appears slow, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring.

Pruning

  • Requires minimal pruning; mainly to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
  • Best pruned in late winter to early spring before new growth begins.
  • Caution: Sharp spines on the trunk and branches require careful handling when pruning.

Pest & Disease Resistance

  • Highly resistant to pests and diseases.
  • May occasionally encounter aphids or scale insects, but these rarely cause significant damage.

Mulching

  • Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.
  • Helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Wildlife & Ecological Benefits

  • Attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies, when in bloom.
  • The fruit is a food source for birds, while the spiny trunk provides habitat for insects and small creatures.
  • Historically used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers for its medicinal properties, particularly as a toothache remedy.

Additional Notes:

  • Sometimes called Toothache Tree, as its bark and leaves contain compounds that create a numbing effect when chewed.
  • The fragrant flowers and citrus-scented leaves add to its appeal in naturalized and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
  • A great choice for xeriscaping, native plant gardens, or as a unique specimen tree.
Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.