Hercules Club
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis is a thorny deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, blooming March through May. This drought-tolerant species attracts butterflies and grows well in full sun conditions.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
120"–300" H × 144"–180" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states
Pollinators
butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hercules Club is a native Texas tree known for its distinctive trunk covered in large, cork-like thorns. It produces clusters of small greenish flowers in spring followed by small red berries, and its compound leaves turn yellow in fall before dropping.
Growing Hercules Club
Grow Hercules Club in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 120 to 300 inches tall and spread 144 to 180 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hercules Club takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
- Best suited for backyard or with special approval
Wildlife value
This tree serves as a host plant for giant swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. The flowers attract various pollinators, and birds feed on the small berries.
Common questions
- Where is Zanthoxylum clava-herculis native?
- Hercules Club is native to southeastern states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
- When does Hercules Club bloom?
- Zanthoxylum clava-herculis typically blooms from March through May, producing small clusters of flowers that attract butterflies.
- What pollinators visit Hercules Club?
- Butterflies are the primary pollinators of Zanthoxylum clava-herculis, visiting the small spring flowers for nectar.
- What are the growing requirements for Hercules Club?
- This native tree thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions and tolerates drought well once established, making it suitable for low-water landscapes.
- Is Hercules Club HOA-friendly?
- Hercules Club takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Hercules Club fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.