Szechuan Pepper

Sometimes also called Japanese pepper, Zanthoxylum piperitum is a spiny, deciduous shrub suitable for the smaller garden, with aromatic bark, leaves and fruit. The leaves are deep green and composed of many leaflets, turning yellow in autumn. Sprays of small, yellow-green flowers are produced in early summer; these are followed by small, red fruits which can be used for cooking Chinese food. If not picked, they split open to reveal black seeds. Szechuan pepper is a productive plant – the fruits are delicious.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any light, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height:  5-8’ (1.5-2.5m) Spread: 5-8’ (1.5-2.5m) in 5-10 years