California Pepper Tree
Schinus molle
SKU
07070
Handsome, rustic look from older trees. Attractive, somewhat weeping form holds clusters of pinkish fruit in fall and winter. Plant where there is room to spread. Use in firescaping. Evergreen.
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Full sun
Once established, needs only occasional watering.
We no longer grow this plant
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| Botanical Pronunciation | SKY-nus MOL-le |
|---|---|
| Lore | This tree is called the California pepper but it is not native. It was brought to the old missions by Franciscans who needed a very drought resistant shade tree. |
| Average Size at Maturity | Fast grower to 25 to 40 ft. tall and wide, larger with age. |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Design Ideas | A perfect tree for expansive shade in xeriscape gardens. Traditional choice for rural California and southwestern homesites and landscapes. May be used as a street tree or to line a long drive. Plant a pair to frame a large gateway so dangling foliage will meet gracefully overhead. |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flower Color | White |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Garden Style | Mediterranean |
| Growth Habit | Weeping |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Landscape Use | Firescaping/Fire Wise |
| Light Needs | Full sun |
| Soil Needs | Tree & Shrub Food |
| Special Feature | Naturalizes Well, Showy Fruit, Tolerates Alkaline Soil, Tolerates Poor Soils, Waterwise, Year-round Interest, Bird Friendly |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Watering Needs | Once established, needs only occasional watering. |
| Companion Plants | Combine its feathery foliage and pink berries in the large garden with the Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) for its dark, green leaves. Shares similar water requirements with Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage, (Salvia leucantha 'Santa Barbara'), Bennet's White Rockrose, (Cistus x 'Bennet's White') and El Dorado Ceanothus, (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Perado'). |
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.
This Plant's Growing Zones: 8-11
Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone:
Your climate may be too cold for this plant