Fauna
Plant

Hercules' Club

Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

Also known as Southern Prickly Ash, Toothache Tree, Pepperwood, Tingle Tongue

Hercules' club is a distinctive spiny tree recognized by the corky, conical projections that stud its pale bark like miniature volcanic mounds. Crushed leaves, bark, and fruit release a strong citrus scent and contain alkylamides that produce an intense tingling and numbing sensation when touched to the tongue, earning it the folk name toothache tree. Foliage serves as a primary larval food source for giant swallowtail caterpillars throughout the coastal plains and sandy woods of the American Southeast.

AromaticHost PlantSpiny
Hercules' Club reference
(c) Cleveland Powell, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Leaf Beetles
ThreatsLand development and coastal habitat clearing
HabitatsSandy coastal forests, dunes, pine flatwoods, and fence rows
Life span30–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderSapindales
  2. FamilyRutaceae
  3. GenusZanthoxylum
  4. SpeciesZanthoxylum clava-herculis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance; sharp trunk prickles can puncture skin.
Responsible observation
  • Trunk Examination: Look closely at the bark to view the raised, pyramid-shaped corky thorns.
  • Leaf Crushing: Gently rub a fallen leaf between fingers to detect the pungent citrus aroma.
  • Avoid Chewing: Do not chew leaves or bark despite folk traditions, as they cause powerful numbness.
Related species
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