prickly ash

prickly ash

prickly ash name for two deciduous shrubs or small trees ( Zanthoxylum americanum and Z. clava-herculis ) of the family Rutaceae ( rue family). They are native to E North America and have prickly twigs and foliage similar to that of the unrelated ash tree. A pungent aromatic principle in the bark has been used as a home remedy for various ailments including rheumatism and toothaches (hence the local name toothache tree). Z. clava-herculis, of more southerly distribution, is also known as Hercules'-club. Both Hercules'-club and prickly ash are names sometimes used for an unrelated plant of the family Araliaceae ( ginseng family). Other Zanthoxylum species are the sources of Sichuan and Sansho peppercorns ( Z. simulans and Z. piperitum, respectively) and of satinwood ( Z. flavum ). Prickly ash of the genus Zanthoxylum is classified in the division Magnoliophyta , class Magnoliopsida, order Sapindales, family Rutaceae. The family Araliaceae belongs to the order Apiales.

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prickly ash

prickly ash Bark and berries of Zanthoxylum americanum and Z. clava‐herculis, used as a food flavour, reputed to be a circulatory stimulant, and antirheumatic. Also known as toothache bark.

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DAVID A. BENDER. "prickly ash." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAVID A. BENDER. "prickly ash." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-pricklyash.html

DAVID A. BENDER. "prickly ash." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-pricklyash.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

Antifungal constituents of Northern prickly ash, Zanthoxylum americanum Mill.
Magazine article from: Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy &amp; Phytopharmacology; 5/1/2005
TOOTHACHE TREE HER GREAT BOTANICAL LOVE RITA MIZELLE SET OUT 10 YEARS AGO TO...
Newspaper article from: The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA); 9/22/1996
TRAIL DUST: PRICKLY PEAR MAKES BIG POINT IN FOLK HISTORY, LITTLE DENT IN...
Newspaper article from: The Santa Fe New Mexican (Santa Fe, NM); 2/12/2005
prickly ash images
prickly ash. (Image by Miya, GFDL)