Peruvian pepper tree Schinus molle
Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Anacardiaceae family, native to Andes and arid valleys of Peru. It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -7 °C (19 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Peruvian pepper tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -7 °C (19 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: dried fruits (pink pepper substitute, small amounts) |
| Native to | Andes and arid valleys of Peru |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Invasive in | Australia (environmental weed), South Africa (NEMBA Category 3), US (California, Cal-IPC Limited): check local rules before planting |
Is Peruvian pepper tree toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: fruits, leaves, sap
Aromatic resins in leaves and fruit can irritate skin and cause stomach upset if eaten in quantity.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Peruvian pepper tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Peruvian pepper tree
- How far apart should I plant Peruvian pepper tree?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Peruvian pepper tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Peruvian pepper tree need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Peruvian pepper tree?
- It tolerates about -7 °C (19 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Peruvian pepper tree flower?
- From about May for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Peruvian pepper tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Aromatic resins in leaves and fruit can irritate skin and cause stomach upset if eaten in quantity.
- What grows well with Peruvian pepper tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Peruvian pepper tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Graceful weeping evergreen tolerant of drought and poor soil; seeds spread widely by birds, so it is weedy in some warm regions.
- Surface roots and brittle limbs; avoid planting near buildings.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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