Zanthoxylum simulans seeds grow into the flatspine prickly ash or Chinese prickly ash — a shrub or tree native to the temperate biome of China, southern Korea and Taiwan. The epithet simulans means 'resembling' or 'simulating' — referring to its close resemblance to other Chinese prickly ash species. This species belongs to the citrus family Rutaceae — not Apiaceae as sometimes incorrectly stated. The fruit husks are used as an alternative 'prickly ash pepper' spice in Chinese cuisine, and are sometimes sold as a substitute for the authentic Sichuan pepper (Z. bungeanum) or Japanese sansho (Z. piperitum). Like all Zanthoxylum, the aromatic compounds produce a characteristic citrusy aroma and mild numbing (paraesthesia) sensation on the tongue — the result of hydroxy-alpha-sanshool activating touch receptors. Family Rutaceae.Full sun to partial shade; adaptable to a range of temperate and warm-temperate soils; cold-hardy; drought-tolerant once established. Aromatic citrusy fruit husks with mild numbing sensation — used as Chinese prickly ash pepper China, S. Korea, Taiwan — temperate biome; 'simulans' = resembling other prickly ash species Family RUTACEAE — NOT Apiaceae as sometimes erroneously described Related to Z. bungeanum (Sichuan pepper) and Z. piperitum (Japanese sansho) Full sun to partial shade; cold-hardy; temperate and warm-temperate conditions Zanthoxylum simulans is the Chinese flatspine prickly ash — an aromatic spice shrub from China, Korea and Taiwan producing citrusy, mildly numbing fruit husks closely related to the celebrated Sichuan pepper and Japanese sansho, and an important botanical in the family Rutaceae. IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.
