Wild Lime
Zanthoxylum fagara
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 9, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Wild Lime
Wild Lime (Zanthoxylum fagara) is a thorny native Florida shrub or small tree with aromatic, lime-scented foliage and reddish-brown bark. A member of the citrus family, it is a critical larval host plant for the giant swallowtail butterfly and produces small clusters of yellowish fruit. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Winter, Spring
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Alkaline, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Wild Lime thrives in full sun to partial shade; plants grown in full sun develop dense, symmetrical canopies ideal for specimen or patio use, while understory specimens remain more open-form.
Highly drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly for the first season to help roots develop, then reduce to occasional deep watering only during prolonged dry spells. Avoid poorly drained sites.
Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils including dry sandy and calcareous (alkaline) soils common in coastal NE Florida. Fertilize lightly in spring with a slow-release balanced fertilizer; heavy feeding is unnecessary and can promote weak growth.
Similar needs
Live Oak
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Jamaican Caper
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and pollinator-friendly.
Firebush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Florida Privet
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Quailberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Silverthorn
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Wild Lime a good plant for St. Augustine?
Wild Lime is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 15-25 feet × 15-20 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.