Prickly ash is a large shrub to small tree with colorful drupes in late October that turn shiny black in late November.  In its preferred soil, it can form thickets that can function as a natural barrier to human and large mammals due to its large thorns.

Prickly ash is in the citrus family so it a host plant for the giant swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) and other swallowtail species.  Ptelea trifoliata (wafer ash) is another host plant for Papilio cresphontes.

Prickly ash is an easy-care species and will tolerate a wide range of soils.  Plant two for quality seed production.

Bareroot seedlings available in 2016.  Containers starting in 2017.

Source location: EcoRegion 064a, Upper Piedmont.

Posted from the field by Mark