Stay in the know about wildlife, water quality, and ecosystems on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and in Southwest Florida
Meet the Natives: Wild Lime
The wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara) is a sun-loving, drought-tolerant tree or shrub that can vary in color from light yellow to dark, rich green.
This flowering plant is native to central and South Florida, with its range extending into Texas and New Mexico as well as southward to Mexico and Central America.
Wild Lime at a Glance
- 15 to 25 feet tall and up to 30 feet wide, can become quite thick
- Grows best in full sun but can also be used as an understory plant in light shade
- Larval host plant for the giant swallowtail and Schaus’ swallowtail butterflies
- A dioecious plant with male and female flowers occurring on separate plants
- Flowers throughout the year but mostly in spring
- Tolerant of occasional saltwater inundation, including from storm surge
- Crushed leaves can be used as a lime-flavored spice in cooking
- Fruits have a numbing effect and have been used for suppressing toothaches or gum problems
“This is one of the plants that rebounded quickly after Hurricane Ian, and in some cases, it looks even healthier now,” said SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center Assistant Sue Ramos.
Learn more about the wild lime and purchase your own at SCCF’s Native Landscapes & Garden Center, open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.