Schinus molle

California Pepper

Tree

This evergreen tree can reach 15 feet high in three years and may grow to 25 or even 40 feet in favorable situations. It has bright green weeping foliage and rough tan bark.

Temperature

Hardy to 20F, but foliage is sometimes damaged above that temperature.

Water requirements

Occasional deep irrigation. Tolerates lawn watering with good drainage.

Sun

Full sun.

Soil

Tolerant. Prefers deep improved soil with good drainage.

Maintenance

Constant. Needs careful maintenance to maintain a healthy tree, especially in residential and garden situations.

Disadvantages

Tree drips resin and litters pavement. Subject to Texas root rot and root know nematodes. Diseased trees may be blown over in wind. Greedy surface roots are invasive. Heart rot weakens structure so branches may blow off in wind.

Bloom

Yellowish flowers in long hanging clusters on females.

Fruit or Seeds

Decorative dry pink berries the size of peppercorns in summer. Pink skin of berry peels off to reveal hard dark 'peppers.'

Uses

Fast shade. Screen.

Origin

Member of the Anacardiaceae family.

Themes

Woodsy, Informal, Edible.

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