Plants by mail order since 1984, over 4100 plants online today!
- Shop Now
- Burncoose Specialities
- This Month
- Offers & Promotions
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022
- Engage With Us
- Information, Help & Advice
- About Us & Our Services
- Terms & Conditions
- Log In / Register
ZANTHOXYLUM simulans
Commonly known as Chinese prickly ash
(bungei) - an unusual tall shrub with distinctly spiny branches and greenish yellow flowers in early summer followed by small rounded reddish fruits
Further Reading....
-
Deciduousleaves to 20cm (8in) long, each with up to 11 toothed, glossy, dark-green leaflets which turn yellow to reddish yellow in autumn.
-
YellowGreenish yellow
-
Height6m (20ft)
-
Spread5m (15ft)
-
Tall ShrubSpreading shrub or small tree. Produces tiny, cup-shaped flowers in cymes 5cm (2in) across. Fruits split to reveal glossy black seeds.
-
Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
-
Full sunOr light dappled shade.
ZANTHOXYLUM simulans
-
Additional FeaturesBerriesThese plants have berries.Good to knowHusks are used for culinary purposes, seeds are discarded.Pests & DiseasesNone.Place of originChina, Japan, Taiwan.
-
HardinessFully hardy
-
Leaf formPinnate
(see photos above) -
Leaf marginIncised
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeOvate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 1Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
RHS group 1 -
Seasonal InterestAutumnSummer
-
Soil ConditionsFertile well drained soil
-
Tree ShapeRounded to broadly spreading
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zanthoxylum - Growing Guide
6m (20ft)
|
![]() |
![]() |
5m (15ft) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50