Nearly unknown in our gardens, this graceful, spreading shrub or small tree has much to recommend it. Gary Koller, who kindly supplied seeds from the Arnold Arboretum, values its "delicate foliage, feathery aspect, and clear yellow autumn color." Young stems have prickles, and older branches are decorated with all sorts of bumps and protrusions that look like miniature rhino horns. Panicles of small flowers yield bright red fruits in late autumn. This is one of the Zanthoxylum species that is used to make Sichuan pepper. The dried seed capsules (not the seeds themselves) are added to dishes to contribute a lemon-anise flavor as well as a tongue-numbing effect—much less strange than it might sound! Well-drained soil in sun or light shade suits this multifaceted plant. Z. 5-8