Lime Pricklyash-Zanthoxylum fagara
Other common names for this plant include Wild Lime, Colima,Una de Gato, Corriosa.
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Found in both south Texas and south Florida, lime pricklyash provides a native plant caterpillar food source for the Giant Swallowtail, Northern Sicklewing (in LRGV Texas) and Schaus' Swallowtail (in southern Florida).
Lime pricklyash is a member of the Rue or Citrus plant family (Rutaceae). Commercial plantings of (non-native) citrus are also in the same plant family and also provide ample food for caterpillars in these locations.
Despite being heavily armed with spines, lime prickly ash can be included in gardens where evergreen barrier plants are needed. Inconspicuous, though fragrant, flowers will draw in butterflies as well as other pollinators. The plants also provide important food and shelter for birds.
Even though it does have prickly spines as the plant name implies, lime pricklyash is not in the ash plant family and does not produce limes. If you crush the leaves though, a strong scent of limes will be released.
- Texas
- Florida
Importance as a caterpillar food source: Provides food for Giant Swallowtail. Northern Sicklewing caterpillars also use this plant for food.
Importance as a butterfly nectar source: While it is used as a nectar source, lime pricklyash is grown primarily as a caterpillar food plant
| USDA Hardiness Zone | zone 8 |
| Bloom Period | spring |
| Bloom Color | Yellow green, inconspicuous |
| Plant Height | 5 to 20 feet |
| Plant Spread | 3 to 12 feet |
| Light Exposure | Sun |
| Soil Moisture | adaptable |
| Animal/Pest Problems | none |
Importance as a caterpillar food source: Provides food for Giant Swallowtail caterpillars which are found year round in south Florida. The much rarer Schaus' Swallowtail also uses lime pricklyash as a food source.
Importance as a butterfly nectar source: While it is used as a nectar source, lime pricklyash is grown primarily as a caterpillar food plant
| USDA Hardiness Zone | zone 8 |
| Bloom Period | Year round |
| Bloom Color | Greenish yellow, inconspicuous |
| Plant Height | 20 feet |
| Plant Spread | 20 feet |
| Light Exposure | Sun |
| Soil Moisture | Dry, very drought tolerant |
| Animal/Pest Problems | Can tolerate salt wind but does not tolerate flooding by salt water |