By Canopy Team on November 18, 2019
Photo courtesy Elise Willis
Tree Spotlight Series: Follow along as we learn about the fascinating trees that live among us. This series is in partnership withRhee Lab in the Plant Biology Department of the Carnegie Institution for Science.
Other posts in the series:ginkgo biloba,Douglas fir,giant sequoia,Chinese tallow,silver-dollar gum,Monterey pine,green dracaena,coast live oak,cork oak,Japanese maple,silver birch, dawn redwood, Japanese persimmon ‘Hachiya’, carob, California bay, avocado, southern magnolia, flowering dogwood, red ironbark eucalyptus, blackwood acacia, narrow leaved paperbark, co*ckspur coral, and Chinese pistache.
Written by David Hoang
Beautiful Yet Invasive
The California pepper tree (Schinus molle) is a fast-growing, hardy evergreen. With an established root system, the pepper tree requires very little rainfall and is considered to be the largest of all Schinus species, growing up to five stories tall. Its wide canopy and drooping branches give it an appearance that closely resembles a willow tree, making the two species visually similar.
However, crushed leaves from the pepper tree release a distinct aroma close to that of commercial black pepper and easily sets the pepper tree apart from the willow. The leaves are narrow and cone-shaped, appearing feather-like from a distance.
Bright red and pink berries decorate the branches, hanging together in grape-like bunches. As the tree ages, its outer grey bark peels to reveal its deep-red inner wood.
The California pepper tree received its colloquial name from its high abundance, cultivation, and long history in California. However, contrary to its nickname as the “California” pepper tree, Schinus molle originates from the arid regions of northern South America and the Peruvian Andes.
It has made its way across the globe and can be found in mild to warm climates. In certain regions, it is considered to be an invasive species. In South Africa and Australia, the pepper tree has encroached onto grasslands and dry areas. It often out-grows native plant species, gradually increasing in abundance and changing the local ecosystem.
In the United States, it is found in southern to south-western states and tends to crowd out native vegetation. Interestingly, it is not officially an invasive species in California given its long-term presence, common planting, and relatively low risk in comparison to other invasive plants.
Practical Yet Toxic
The California pepper tree bears red and pink fruits that can be used for a variety of purposes. Traditionally, these fruits were used to treat wounds and infections due to their antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
When dried, the fruits are referred to as pink peppercorns; however, they are not actual peppercorns derived from plants of the genus Piper (e.g. commercial black pepper). Regardless, pink peppercorns have a flavor similar to that of black pepper and can be used as a spice.
In the 1980’s, pink peppercorns were a popular symbol of French cuisine due to their vibrance and aroma. American chefs began to adopt this brightly colored seasoning as well, adding it to dishes like steak au poivre.
However, controversy arose in 1982 when research suggested that fruits from the California pepper tree could cause irritating effects similar to that of poison ivy, a cousin of the tree. What followed was a crazed frenzy — the FDA banned pink peppercorns from importation, shops stopped selling them, and they became untrendy in the culinary world.
Yet despite this blow to the fruit’s reputation, it eventually found its way back into our stores and food. The French later submitted research to the FDA showing that pink peppercorns were non-toxic, resulting in a lift to their import ban.
Other sources found that the majority of allergic reactions to the peppercorns were due to tree nut allergies, not necessarily due to the peppercorns themselves. Regardless, pink peppercorns do contain trace amounts of irritants and can induce vomiting and diarrhea in young children.
Popular Yet Troublesome
The California pepper tree is an elegant specimen. Easily recognizable from its exotic appearance — drooping, willow-like branches and gnarled bark — it is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in California. It was particularly popular in the late 1800’s, when it was sometimes planted to give locations a romantic aura.
Its tolerance of semiarid conditions and ability to provide shade also made it a favorable choice. By the 1880’s, the California pepper tree had become an iconic street decoration that lined the streets of Los Angeles and other southern California communities.
Unfortunately, enjoying the magnificence of this tree can be costly. The California pepper tree is subject to scale infestation, which can pose a problem for neighboring plants. In the early twentieth century, black scale infestations started from California pepper trees. Though the pepper trees themselves were unaffected, the spread of small, parasitic insects jeopardized the health of orange trees in California and ultimately the economic welfare of citrus farmers.
Additionally, this tree often encroaches on sidewalks with its expansive root system and has been known to litter the ground with excessive amounts of dry fruit, twigs, and leaves. Though the California pepper tree is popular, pretty, and practical, it is a specimen that must be planted with its shortcomings in mind.
David Hoang was a 2019 summer intern at the Rhee Lab in the Plant Biology Department of the Carnegie Institution for Science. He is as undergraduate student majoring in bioengineering at the University of California San Diego. In his free time, he enjoys listening to podcasts and practicing photography.
FAQs
California Pepper Trees can produce a lot of debris; when you consider their clusters of flowers and their berries, not to mention the branches that frequently break away, there can be a lot to tidy up after. Female variants produce berries twice annually, and this can result in the need to clear out yards and clean ...
How tall does a California pepper tree get? ›
Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) – An evergreen tree that grows 25-40 feet tall with rough twisted dark gray bark and a wide weeping habit, spreading as wide as tall. It has bright green pinnately compound leaves that are 5 to 12 inches long with many 1 to 2 inch long narrow leaflets.
How much water does a California pepper tree need? ›
Water usage: The Pepper Tree requires no watering once established. Generally, trees need supplemental irrigation to get established, especially if planted after the rainy season. During the first year, irrigate in the amount of 20 – 25 liters of water twice a week.
How do you shape a California pepper tree? ›
Trim the mature California pepper tree's leaves with hand or electric pruning shears only for aesthetic or utilitarian purposes. The tree's leaves have a naturally bushy appearance; trimming wayward leaves at the stem to promote neatness won't hurt mature California pepper trees.
Do California pepper trees lose their leaves in winter? ›
California pepper tree is evergreen. Evergreen plants constantly drop leaves all season long but drop their leaves heaviest soon after times of new growth.
Is pepper tree roots invasive? ›
Pepper trees are informal evergreen trees that grow 25 to 40 feet tall. They tend to have aggressive roots and drop tree litter. *May be considered an invasive weed.
Do pepper trees have deep roots? ›
Brazilian peppertree has a shallow root system.
How long does pepper tree last? ›
Lasting 50 to 150 years, this species of the Schinus genus is by far the longest-lived along with being among the largest. It is a quick growing evergreen tree and its branches tend to droop. This drooping canopy covers extensive areas, having a rounded or umbrella shape.
Can you top a pepper tree? ›
Topping pepper plant seedlings encourages them to grow more bushy. By pruning off the top of the seedling when it's young, the plant will focus its energy on growing side branches – rather than getting tall and lanky. The more side branches, the more places to grow flowers and fruit!
What do pepper plants look like when they get too much water? ›
Often, if you overwater peppers, it can cause them to get yellow leaves, droop, stunt their growth, and have general poor health.
Signs of an overwatered pepper plant include wilted leaves, which may seem to indicate that the plant needs water even though it is actually getting too much of it. When considering how much water is too much, think about the fact that chil peppers originated in dry Mexican climates.
Is California pepper tree drought tolerant? ›
California Pepper – Schinus Molle
California Pepper trees are fantastic desert trees. They are very drought tolerant, evergreen, and can withstand the wind and heat of the desert climate.
How do I make my pepper plants bushy? ›
Prune out the main growing point when the plants are very small. At the transplant stage, simply remove the top ½ to 1 inch of growth, down to a set of leaves. Either pinching or pruning out the central growing point of a young plant promotes branching and bushy growth.
What will grow under a pepper tree? ›
Agave americana, Bergenia cordifolia, Cyclamen, Hedera (ivy), Lamium, Myoporum parvifolium, Rosmarinus prostratus, Sarcoccoca, Senecio mandralascae, Vinca minor.
Do California pepper trees need water? ›
California Pepper Tree is an evergreen tree with a weeping form that creates expansive shade when given room to spread. This fast-growing tree needs only occasional watering when established, and develops a fantastically gnarled trunk with interesting peeling bark.
Why is my California pepper tree dying? ›
Armillaria Root Rot is also known as oak root fungus disease or shoestring disease and attacks broadleaf trees like the California pepper tree from the bottom up, frequently causing the roots and area of the trunk near the ground to die.
Do pepper trees come back every year? ›
Peppers of all types are grown as annuals by most gardeners: sown, grown, picked, then condemned to the compost heap at the end of the season. Yet these hard-working plants are perennials that, given the right conditions, will happily overwinter to next year.
How do you stop pepper tree roots? ›
Peppertrees can be effectively controlled by cutting and treating the stumps with herbicide. The trunk should be cut as close to the ground as possible. Apply glyphosate to the cambium within 5 minutes. Treat before plants begin to fruit.
Are pepper trees a pest? ›
The broad-leaved pepper tree, Schinus terebinthifolius, is listed as a restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. It is a serious threat to native vegetation, rapidly colonising disturbed bushland, out-competing and replacing native grasses.
Do pepper roots grow deep or wide? ›
How deep can pepper plants' roots grow? Typically most larger pepper plants roots are 18 to 24 inches deep. But, if they have more room they can take it – for example, Bell pepper taproots can grow to 3 feet or more in depth.
It all depends on the variety of pepper tree you have. If you have the Schinus molle variety, also known as the Peruvian, American or the Californian pepper tree, you're good to go.
Do pepper trees make good mulch? ›
You can use leaves of California pepper tree as mulch if you want but one could find better mulches. When any organic mulch rots, including leaves of California pepper, it will gradually add more acid.
How far apart should I plant pepper trees? ›
Depending on the size of the pepper varieties planted, spacing should be 12-18 inches apart. Peppers can double as ornamentals, so tuck some into flowerbeds and borders. Most sweet peppers mature in 60-90 days; hot peppers can take up to 150 days.
Can pepper tree survive winter? ›
Q: Can a pepper plant survive the winter? A: Yes, but they must be protected if you live in an area that experiences frost or freezing conditions. Overwintering peppers indoors is a great way to start your next growing season with healthy, mature plants.
How do you save a dying Pepper Tree? ›
Table of Contents
- Stop watering the plants.
- Move the plant to a shaded area.
- Prune dying leaves and roots.
- If possible, slowly reintroduce the pepper plant to direct sunlight.
Seedlings planted too close together can result in reduced yield and those planted too far apart waste valuable garden space. Below you'll learn the proper spacing for pepper plants so you can give your seedlings a strong start to the growing season.
Should I cut the top off my pepper plant? ›
Cutting off the main growing point of the plant redirects energy to the axillary buds and forces them to grow, creating a bushier plant with more side shoots which in theory leads to more flowers and potentially more fruit. Topping pepper plants also encourages plants to grow sturdier stems.
How many times can you top a pepper plant? ›
Topping Pepper Plants:
You can top a plant at any time. The main reason to top a pepper plant to encourage it to put its energy into growing fruits rather than bothering with growing more shoots and leaves. The idea is the plant will produce more flowers and fruits.
Should I water peppers every day? ›
Peppers actually like to dry out a bit between watering. That said, during the longest hottest days of summer, especially in pots, that may be every day. With cooer weather and during the spring and fall you may only need to water them every 2-3 days.
What is the best fertilizer for pepper plants? ›
While the best pepper plant fertilizer depends on soil condition and the gardener's preference, the top performer is Pepper & Herb Fertilizer 11-11-40 Plus Micro Nutrients. This fertilizer is formulated to provide a balanced ratio of nutrients essential for pepper plants.
Tip: Peppers prefer being dry to being too wet. Allow your peppers to dry out a bit between watering to avoid having constantly moist soil. Remember, the deeper soil retains moisture for longer than the surface!
How do you know if a pepper plant is getting too much sun? ›
Brown or white foliage
Without proper hardening off, tender young pepper plant leaves may become damaged from excessive sunlight. Sunscald on pepper leaves will start with leaves turning brown or ivory-white, quickly becoming dry and crispy to the touch.
Should you bottom water pepper plants? ›
Pepper seedlings are especially susceptible.
That's why I only recommend bottom watering your seedlings. (They can still be in danger of getting too much water, but this method of watering helps.)
Do peppers like overhead watering? ›
Pepper plants love full sun, but they can get large and do need a lot of water. Watering early morning and in the evening after sun has lowered are the best times. Avoid overhead watering when the sun is strong.
Do pepper trees need a lot of water? ›
Pepper trees thrive in hot climates and don't require much water. In fact, one of the biggest challenges with pepper trees is simply making sure too much water isn't trapped in the soil around them, leading to root rot. Planting pepper trees in your landscape can work to reverse the effects of soil erosion.
Do pepper trees lose their leaves? ›
You may notice that from time to time certain pepper trees drop more leaves than is normal for this evergreen tree. The closer you are to the coast the greater this phenomenon may be. The cause of this can be many things, including the peppertree psyllid (Calophya schini).
What is the most productive pepper plant? ›
Of all of the superhot pepper varieties we have grown, ghost peppers are by far the least troublesome and the most productive. You'll get more peppers, and earlier in the growing season.
Why are my pepper plants tall and spindly? ›
The main cause of leggy pepper plants is a lack of sunlight, according to Cornell University. Plants grown inside often have a difficult time getting enough light, especially during the early spring when the sunlight doesn't come in the windows as strongly.
How do you keep pepper plants from getting leggy? ›
Make sure your pepper plants have enough light:
Though we find that light is not usually the problem with leggy pepper plants, it's more about giving them a breeze with a fan, bringing them outside for natural breezes, and/or brushing them daily with your hands is the #1 way to keep them from getting leggy.
Does pruning peppers increase yield? ›
We don't find that topping or pruning peppers necessarily increases your yield, but pinching blossoms will definitely help increase the production of pods on the plants. A couple other tips for maximum pepper harvests from your pepper plants: Make sure they have lots of space and full sun.
Additionally, this tree often encroaches on sidewalks with its expansive root system and has been known to litter the ground with excessive amounts of dry fruit, twigs, and leaves.
What do peppers not like to grow with? ›
There's really no evidence that certain plants will somehow affect pepper growth, but you may want to avoid planting peppers near cabbage and other brassicas such as broccoli and cauliflower (because peppers prefer slightly different soil acidity levels) and fennel (which some gardeners say inhibits pepper development) ...
How tall does a California pepper tree grow? ›
Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) – An evergreen tree that grows 25-40 feet tall with rough twisted dark gray bark and a wide weeping habit, spreading as wide as tall. It has bright green pinnately compound leaves that are 5 to 12 inches long with many 1 to 2 inch long narrow leaflets.
Do pepper trees shed? ›
You may notice that from time to time certain pepper trees drop more leaves than is normal for this evergreen tree. The closer you are to the coast the greater this phenomenon may be. The cause of this can be many things, including the peppertree psyllid (Calophya schini).
Do pepper trees shed their leaves? ›
Over the season, the California pepper tree drops leaves, flowers, and even its fruit.
How big are the roots on a pepper tree? ›
How deep can pepper plants' roots grow? Typically most larger pepper plants roots are 18 to 24 inches deep. But, if they have more room they can take it – for example, Bell pepper taproots can grow to 3 feet or more in depth.
How long does Pepper Tree last? ›
Lasting 50 to 150 years, this species of the Schinus genus is by far the longest-lived along with being among the largest. It is a quick growing evergreen tree and its branches tend to droop. This drooping canopy covers extensive areas, having a rounded or umbrella shape.
How often do you water pepper trees? ›
We recommend watering after the soil has dried somewhat. During the longest hottest days of summer, that may be every day. During cooler weather and during spring and fall you may only need to water them every 2-3 days. The best bet is to feel the top layer of soil to see if it's moist, if it is, wait before watering.
How do you keep pepper trees healthy? ›
Meet the tree's water needs.
While pepper trees are drought-tolerant, you should ensure their soil is constantly moist. This helps their shallow root systems extend out properly after the seeds germinate. But avoid waterlogging the ground and ensure they make their home in a well-draining environment.
What kills pepper trees? ›
To kill the Brazilian Pepper tree, you either need to chemically treat the tree stem (which has to be done by cutting the tree down to a stump) or spraying the leaves. Our recommendation is any product containing the active ingredient of triclopyr such as Triclopyr 4 Brush Killer (Garlon 4).
The ornamental pepper plant is toxic to dogs due to its solanine content, which is a glycoalkaloid poison that is found in tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes. They are all part of the nightshade family, which is known to cause serious intestinal disorders and central nervous system damage.
How deep of soil do peppers need? ›
Pots for growing peppers should be at least 10 inches deep. So a pot 12 wide and 10 deep is perfect.
