Peruvian pepper tree
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2Will it grow where I live?
Peruvian pepper tree is not winter-hardy in Central Europe (zone 9): outdoors from spring to autumn only, otherwise a container plant overwintered frost-free. It also needs warm summers – in Central Europe that means wine-growing regions, cities or a sheltered south-facing wall.
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Profile
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
- Habit
- Tree
- Height
- 11.5 m
- Spread
- 6 m
- Growth
- fast
- Lifespan
- 50 years
- First yield
- after 6 years
- Hardiness
- zone 9–12
- Shade tolerance
- full sun
- Soil
- Sand, Silt, Loam
- Soil moisture
- dry – very wet
- pH
- 6 – 7.5
Flowering & harvest
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowering |
Uses
Edible: Berries (dried & roasted) (pepper substitute, flavor in beverages and wine), distilled oil (spice in baked goods); gum
Origin & habitat
In the dry regions of the Andes, it is found as a shrub in arid areas, but it reaches tree size in dry riverbeds with accessible groundwater.
Various habitats in lowland to alpine areas, North, South, Stewart, and Chatham Islands. Rocky and sandy moorland, often located near streams.
⚠️ Hazards
The seed contains an allergenic substance that can irritate the mucous membranes. It is recommended to avoid consumption if you have allergies.
Frequently asked questions
Peruvian pepper tree: how big does it get?
Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle) grows as a Tree and reaches roughly 11.5 m in height when mature, with a spread of about 6 m. Growth is fast.
Peruvian pepper tree: what site does it need?
Peruvian pepper tree tolerates full sun. Suitable soils are Sand, Silt, Loam. Soil moisture should be in the range dry – very wet. The pH may lie between 6 and 7.5.
Peruvian pepper tree: is it hardy?
Peruvian pepper tree is listed as hardy in zone 9–12 and survives normal winters outdoors there.
Peruvian pepper tree: will it grow in Central Europe?
Peruvian pepper tree is not winter-hardy in Central Europe (zone 9): outdoors from spring to autumn only, otherwise a container plant overwintered frost-free. It also needs warm summers – in Central Europe that means wine-growing regions, cities or a sheltered south-facing wall.
Peruvian pepper tree: when does it flower?
In a temperate northern-hemisphere climate it flowers from May to June.
Peruvian pepper tree: is it poisonous?
Individual parts of Peruvian pepper tree are noted as mildly problematic — the plant does not count as poisonous. With wild plants, never rely on a database alone, only on a confident identification.
Peruvian pepper tree: what is it used for?
Rated on a scale up to 10: Edible 5/10, Medicinal 2/10, Other uses 2/10.
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Community experience
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