Zanthoxylum hirsutum, commonly referred to as Texas prickly ash, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, recognized for its aromatic foliage and distinctive spiny stems. Mature plants typically grow 10 to 20 feet tall, occasionally reaching 25 feet in ideal conditions, with a spreading canopy measuring about 8 to 15 feet wide. The trunk is often multi-stemmed, with individual trunks ranging from 4 to 10 inches in diameter, covered in gray to brown bark armed with stout prickles measuring roughly ¼ to ½ inch long. Young branches are noticeably hairy, giving rise to the species name hirsutum, and are usually ⅛ to ⅜ inch thick. The pinnately compound leaves measure approximately 5 to 10 inches long, consisting of 7 to 15 leaflets, each leaflet about 1 to 3 inches long and ½ to 1½ inches wide, releasing a citrus-like fragrance when crushed. Small greenish-white flowers appear in spring in clustered inflorescences 1 to 2 inches across, followed by rounded seed capsules about ¼ inch in diameter that split open to reveal shiny black seeds attractive to birds and wildlife. The root system spreads broadly, often extending 10 to 15 feet outward, helping the plant colonize dry slopes and limestone soils. Fully mature specimens form an irregular, airy silhouette occupying roughly 10 to 18 feet of landscape space, making Zanthoxylum hirsutum well suited for native habitat gardens, wildlife plantings, and drought-tolerant landscapes where its textured form and ecological value can be appreciated.