National Collection of Imperiled Plants

CPC National Collection Plant Profile

Photographer:

Joyce Maschinski

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CPC National Collection Plant Profile

Zanthoxylum parvum

Family:	Rutaceae
Common Names:	Shinner's tickle-tongue, small prickly-ash
Author:	Shinners
Growth Habit:	Shrub
CPC Number:	4449

Distribution
Protection
Conservation
References

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Photographer: Joyce Maschinski

Zanthoxylum parvum is Not Sponsored

Primary custodian for this plant in the CPC National Collection of Endangered Plants is:

The Arboretum at Flagstaff

Joyce Maschinski, Ph.D. contributed to this Plant Profile.

Zanthoxylum parvum

The bark, leaves, and fruit of species in the genus Zanthoxylum have historically been used medicinally, especially in Latin America. It is said to treat various ailments, including toothaches, intestinal problems, and rheumatism. (Powell 1988) In addition to these medicinal uses, species in the Zanthoxylum genus have been used as wildlife food, condiments, dyes, and diaphoretics (Vines 1976).

This species, the small prickly-ash, or Zanthoxylum parvum, is a shrub that grows up to 2 meters (6 feet) tall, with spines along its stem and branches. It is dioecious (produces male and female flowers on separate plants), producing small flowers before leaves mature in the early spring. Compound leaves are arranged oppositely, and are composed of 7 to 9 leaflets each.

Distribution & Occurrence

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State Range

Texas

Habitat

Found on relatively steep north- to east- facing slopes at elevations ranging from 4500 to 5700 feet. (Poole 1989)

This species is a minor component of the shrub layer in an oak-maple complex woodland. Frequently associated species include Acer grandidentatum, Quercus gravesii, Q. muhlenbergii, Q. grisea, Prunus serotina, Fraxinus velutina, Ugnadia speciosa, Rhus aromatica, R. virens, Fendlera rupicola, Ptelea trifoliata, Nolina texana, Cercocarpus montanus, Phacelia sp., Senecio millelobatus, Muhlenbergia sp., Festuca sp., Aristida sp., Desmodium psilophyllum, Thelypodium wrightii, and Erysimum capitatum. (Poole 1989)

Distribution

Found in the Northeastern Davis Mountains in Jeff Davis County, as well as in Brewster County, Texas. (Poole 1989; USFWS 2000)

Number Left

The total number of sites where this species is found is between seven and nine (USFWS 2000)

Protection

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Global Rank:	G2	9/23/2003	Guide to Global Ranks
Federal Status:	RT	1/19/1996	Guide to Federal Status
Recovery Plan:	No

State/Area Protection

State/Area	Rank	Status	Date

Conservation, Ecology & Research

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Ecological Relationships

� This plant likely grows by suckering, so it forms dense stands where it is found. These stands can be composed of over 1000 stems, but is likely composed of only a few different genets (genetic individuals). (Poole 1989)
� Little is known about the reproductive biology of the species. For a number of years no flowering or fruiting individuals were known. However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported in 2000 that female plants had been located in newly discovered populations. (Poole 1989; USFWS 2000)

Threats

Threats include:
� Erosion
� Road maintenance - blading
� Reproductive problems
� Low populations numbers

Current Research Summary

J.C. Zech, L.K. Hedges, and S.J. Carlson from Sul Ross State University (Alpine, TX) and Region 1 Natural and Cultural Resources Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife (Fort Davis, TX) presented a paper entitled "The reproductive biology of a west Texas endemic, Zanthoxylum parvum (Rutaceae)" at the Third Rare and Endangered Plant Conference in 2000.

Current Management Summary

The Nature Conservancy of Texas acquired significant land in the area where this species is found, and has secured conservation easements on others, likely improving the conservation situation of this species. (USFWS 2000)

Research Management Needs

Ex Situ Needs

References

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Books (Single Authors)

Powell, A.M. 1988. Trees and shrubs of Trans-Pecos Texas, including Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. Big Bend National Park, Texas: Big Bend Natural History Association. 536p.

Vines, R.A. 1960. Trees, shrubs and woody vines of the southwest. Austin: University of Texas Press. 1104p.

Journal Articles

Porter, D.M. 1976. Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae) in North America north of Mexico. Brittonia. 28, 4: 443-447.

Shinners, L.H. 1956. Zanthoxylum parvum (Rutaceae), a New Species from Trans-Pecos Texas. Field and Lab. 24: 19-20.

USFWS. 1976. Proposed Endangered Status for 1700 U.S. Plants. Federal Register. 41: 24523-24572.

USFWS. 2000. Notice of Reclassification of Nine Candidate Taxa. Federal Register. 64, 204: 63044-63047.

Reports

Mahler, W.F. 1983. Abbreviated status report on Zanthoxylum parvum. Albuquerque: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Poole, J.M. 1989. Status report on Zanthoxylum parvum. Texas Natural Heritage Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. p.23 pages.

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This profile was updated on 3/4/2010