Zanthoxylum americanum - (image 1 of 7)
Taxonomy
Family: Rutaceae
Habitat
Wooded areas. Forms thickets along wooded borders. Often found in woods with a history of grazing.
Associates
Distribution
Morphology
Notes
Flowers mid April to early June
Wetland indicator: Upland
The generic name is also spelled Xanthoxylum. The shiny black seed is surrounded by a leathery, aromatic covering (hesperidium) that smell like oranges. It is said to numb the mouth but in my experience it is more pain than numbness. The sensation lasts for about 15 minutes and causes excessive salivation.
Bibliography
Swink, F. and G. Wilhelm. 1994. Plants of the Chicago Region.
Indiana Academy of Science. The Morton Arboretum. Lisle, Illinois.
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Michael Hough © 2005 |