Wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara)
Care, watering, light and tips for Wild lime on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rutaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Wild lime
Zanthoxylum fagara, commonly known as Lime Pricklyash, is a small shrub or tree native to the Americas, prized for its glossy foliage, small greenish flowers, and wildlife-attracting fruits. Its pinnate and slightly aromatic leaves give it a fresh, dense appearance. It's an excellent choice for defensive hedges, wildlife gardens, or as an ornamental specimen in subtropical and tropical landscapes.
Native range
North, Central, and South America, including the Caribbean
Care tips
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, tolerating a wide range of soil types, including poor ones. Watering should be moderate once established, as it is drought-tolerant, but appreciates regular watering during dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. It is crucial to protect it from severe frosts, especially when young, as it is not a cold-hardy plant.
How to save a dying Wild lime
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or sudden leaf drop, soft stems, dull foliage.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If waterlogged, repot with fresh, aerated soil. If dry, water deeply.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its downfall. Also lack of light or severe frosts.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's resilient. Act quickly by correcting watering and providing adequate light.