Botanical Name: Schinus molle
Common Name: California pepper Type of Plant: dicot: tree Character evergreen Habit of Growth: Overall Shape an erect, single or multi-trunked tree, with heavy scaffold branches and outer drooping branchlets forming a large, loose, rounded canopy; the bark is light brown, rough; plant becomes massive with age Height 25-40' (50') Spread equal or more Growth Rate rapid Environment: Exposure outdoors full sun preferred; tolerates partial at inland locations Soil tolerates most except wet poorly drained clay soils Hardiness hardy to 20 F (zones 8, 9, 12-24); thrives in hot desert Morphology: Leaves odd-pinnately compound, alternate, 10-18" long; of numerous lanceolate leaflets, each 1-2 1/2" long, with serrate margins; leaves have sap Flowers dioecious; tiny white 5-petaled flowers; 10 stamens per flower; late spring Fruit a drupe; rose-colored, 1/8" diameter, in clusters Propagation: seed (can be very invasive) Usage: a large-scale shade tree; widely used as a big accent tree for its spreading form, rugged branch structure, and light green foliage; best for informal landscapes where the messiness is not a problem Landscape Care: Watering little is needed; plant is very drought-tolerant after established, therefore desirable for water-conserving landscapes Fertilizing very little is needed Pruning stake and head high when young;remove suckers and deadwood Pests/Diseases root rot in wet, poorly-drained soils Special Conditions/Other Origin: Peru Family: Anacardiaceae Notes: |
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