Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly Ash): Ecology

Habitat: This is a fast-growing tree, found both on dry, rocky upland hillsides and on wet, low-lying ground, in clearings, open woods or in thickets. It is not tolerant of the deep shade of dense, mature forests.

Distribution: Native from southern Quebec to Georgia, and west to the central plains states, the prickly ash is common throughout Iowa.