Zanthoxylum simulans grows from a shrub to a small tree 3-6m tall. The crown is round and slightly irregular. The young branches are brown and each bud has two large, flat thorns. At the base the spines are 1.5-2 cm wide. On the greenish-grey older bark, the thorns are still visible as large lumps. The odd-pinnate leaves have 5-9 leaflets, although leaves with 11 leaflets sometimes occur. Partial leaves are oval and slightly shiny dark green. The leaf margins are bluntly serrated. In autumn the leaves turn yellow to reddish yellow. The small green flowers appear in May and June. They are in loose cymes up to 5 cm across. They are followed by small, dull red, slightly warty, fleshy fruits. The fruits are very aromatic. When ripe, the fruits burst open to reveal small black seeds.
Z. simulans is an easy tree that grows in any soil, is not susceptible to disease and has special ornamental value due to its knobbly bark, autumn colours and small coloured fruits. One of the most hardy species. Suitable for gardens and parks.