Schinus molle
California Pepper
Anacardiaceae
Evergreen, Trees, Decorative fruit or berries
SCHINUSPepper trees are praised by some gardeners, heartily disliked by others. The two species discussed here differ markedly, though both are tolerant of many soils, and leaves of both can cause dermatitis. Female trees bear abundant, small red fruits that attract birds.
From the Peruvian Andes. Fast growth 25 to 40 ft. tall and wide. Trunks of old trees are heavy and fantastically gnarled, with knots and burls that often sprout leaves or small branches. Heavy limbs; light, gracefully drooping branchlets. Bright green leaves with many narrow leaflets to 2 in. long. Drooping, 4 to 6-in. clusters of tiny yellowish-white summer flowers; rosy berries in fall, winter. (Some trees have nearly all male flowers; these do not bear fruit.)
Schinus molle
From the Peruvian Andes. Fast growth 25 to 40 ft. tall and wide. Trunks of old trees are heavy and fan...
Acacia stenophylla
From Australia. Fast-growing, open, weeping tree to 30 ft. tall, 20 ft. wide. Pale green leaves long (...
Solanum crispum
Native to Chile and Peru. Modest (even shrubby) climber to 12 ft., with ovate to lance-shaped, soft gr...
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