Zanthoxylum clava-herculis, commonly known as Hercules' club or southern prickly ash, is a tree species native to the southern United States and northeastern Mexico. It is a member of the Rutaceae family, a group that includes citrus fruits and other aromatic plants. The tree's bark and leaves are known for their distinctive aroma and spicy flavor, and have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Other synonyms for Zanthoxylum clava-herculis include toothache tree, pepperwood, and angelica tree. Despite its prickly appearance, the tree is a favorite of wildlife and is often used in landscaping and horticulture.