Plant Details

Zanthoxylum planispinum

Winged Prickly Ash

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Zanthoxylum planispinum.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Winged Prickly Ash
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Citruspeper
French
  • Clavalier ailé
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Zanthoxylum planispinum
Taxonomic placement (Kew): Zanthoxylum armatum var. armatum View name reference ↗

This record retains the Zanthoxylum planispinum identity within Kew’s broader taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Rutaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Zanthoxylum (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Winged Prickly Ash

Plant characteristics

Layer: Shrub
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 3.50 m
Spread: - m
Growth rate: None
Foliage: Deciduous

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 5-9
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Condiment, Leaves
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(2)
Functions:
None

Description

The cooked seeds of this plant can be ground into powder and serve as a seasoning that can replace pepper. By lightly roasting the seeds, the flavor becomes more pronounced. The seeds are often used as part of the well-known Chinese 'five-spice' mix. Even the skin of the seeds has applications. Moreover, the young leaves of this plant are edible.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/09
Harvest ends: 31/10

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Zanthoxylum planispinum Siebold & Zucc., name ID 2469095, row 674309; Zanthoxylum armatum var. armatum , name ID 3259101, row 922053
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 206927; name ID 2470623; Zanthoxylum L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.