Zanthoxylum fagara

Colima is a rounded shrub bearing recurved thorns and red shiny fruit that contrasts well with its bright green leaflets in mid, to late summer. An important wildlife plant, colima is a food source for white tailed deer, many birds, butterfly larvae and butterflies, who sip the nectar from its inconspicuous flowers. Its bark and bitter-tasting aromatic leaves are powdered and used as a condiment, while its wood produces a yellow dye. The flowers, leaves and fruit have an aroma of citrus.

Similar plants:

• Zanthoxylum americanum (American Prickly Ash, Toothache Tree)
• Zanthoxylum beecheyanum (Chinese Pepper Tree)