Water
Water thoroughly when the top 5-7 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as this tree is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Peruvian Pepper TreeSchinus molle
Also known as American Pepper · Brazillian Peppertree · California Pepper Tree
- Category: Fruit, Ornamental
- Type: Tree
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Water: Moderate
- Temperature: Moderate
- Habitat: Outdoor
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Peruvian Pepper Tree (Schinus molle) is an evergreen tree with weeping branches, fragrant foliage, and clusters of pinkish-red berries. It's drought-tolerant and widely u
Peruvian Pepper Tree Care Summary
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Light
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
Water
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.
Soil
Well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Temperature
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers warm climates, but can tolerate light frost once mature. Protect young trees from severe cold.
Habitat
Outdoor
50% intensity
Fertilizer
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly; established trees rarely need it. Over-fertilization can cause weak growth.
Peruvian Pepper Tree Toxicity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested in large quantities. Fruits and leaves can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Peruvian Pepper Tree Quick Facts
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Plant Category
- Fruit, Ornamental
- Plant Place Type
- Garden, Pot
- Plant Environment
- Outdoor
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Plant Height
- 7-15 m
- Spread
- 6-12 m
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Dormancy
- None
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Compound
- Flower Size
- small
- Optimal Sunlight Lux
- 60000
Care guide for Peruvian Pepper Tree
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Pruning
Prune to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and manage size if needed. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Light trimming can be done throughout the year to maintain its form.
Propagation
Propagate from seeds sown in spring, which may require stratification. Cuttings taken in late spring or early summer can also be rooted, though success rates can vary.
Grafting is another method for specific cultivar retention.
Repotting
Young trees may benefit from repotting every 2-3 years in spring to refresh soil and provide more space. Mature trees are generally best left in situ as they dislike root disturbance and can grow quite large, making repotting impractical.
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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Apr
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
Image Gallery
Photos of Peruvian Pepper Tree (Schinus molle)
Peruvian Pepper Tree Names & Synonyms
Common names and botanical synonyms
Common Names
- American Pepper
- Brazillian Peppertree
- California Pepper Tree
- California Peppertree
- Common Schinus
- False Pepper
- False Pepper Tree
- Jesuit's Balsam
- Mastic-Tree
- Molle Del Peru
- Peppertree
- Peruvian False-Pepper
- Peruvian Mastic
- Peruvian Mastic Tree
- Peruvian Pepper
- Peruvian Pepper Tree
- Peruvian Peppertree
- Peruvian Schinus
- Peruvian-Mastictree
- Pink Pepper
Peruvian Pepper Tree Taxonomy
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| kingdom | Plantae |
| division | Tracheophyta |
| class | Magnoliopsida |
| order | Sapindales |
| family | Anacardiaceae |
| genus | Schinus |
| species | Schinus molle |
Peruvian Pepper Tree FAQs
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
What are the light requirements for Schinus molle?
Schinus molle thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
How much water does a Peruvian Pepper Tree need?
The Peruvian Pepper Tree is highly drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first year, then reduce watering significantly.
Is Schinus molle suitable for small gardens?
Schinus molle can grow quite large, typically reaching 15-25 meters in height and width. It is best suited for larger landscapes where its spreading habit can be accommodated.
Are the berries of Schinus molle edible?
Yes, the berries are edible and are often used as a spice, offering a mild, sweet, peppery flavor. They are sometimes referred to as 'pink peppercorns'.
What type of soil does Schinus molle prefer?
Schinus molle is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-drained soil.