Light. Full sun gives a full, nearly symmetrical crown. It also grows in partial shade.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes. After that it is highly drought tolerant and needs no extra water.
Soil and feeding. It grows in sand, loam, clay or limestone, acid or alkaline. It does best with some organic matter in the top layer.
Size. Grows to about 20 ft, often as broad as tall. Train it with one trunk or several; its small size suits patios and containers.
Pruning. Wear heavy gloves. The branches carry sharp, hooked spines that cause severe pain.
Problems to watch. No serious pests or diseases.
Good to know. A Florida native and the larval host of the giant swallowtail butterfly. Crushed leaves smell like lime. It takes salty wind but not salt flooding.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS: Zanthoxylum fagara Wild Lime (FP619) · Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Zanthoxylum fagara
