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What about California Pepper Trees?
This archived discussion is "read only".
» plantboy - Schinus molle California pepper trees have been planted in Arizona for years and are somewhat common in the Tucson trade. They perform well in the landscape though are prone to iron chlorosis if not kept fed with iron. They are excellent shade trees with foliage that smells like mango when crushed. Mango belongs to the same family(Anachiardaceae) as California pepper tree which is not from california but from South America. Plants become a pest in some places in the world though not yet known as an escaped plant in Arizona yet.-- posted by plantboy » Clem_Brooks - Pepper Tree Availability The good news about Schinus molle is that they are beautiful when established. The bad news is that they are no longer available here in Northern California. They are prone to an insect pest (though I can't remember which) and wholesale nurseries no longer grow them. This is information overheard in a nursery, so may be inaccurate. However, it's true that they are no longer readily available. Sunset's Western Garden Book has good information about the tree, and for information on the pest, I'ld check Ortho's reference on plant pests, usually available for reference at garden centers.-- posted by Clem_Brooks » plantboy - Schinus molle In some dry climates, though not in Arizona apparently, pepper trees can become a weed. They may be made unavailable because of that though they are known to get diseases, especially in places near the coast. The related Brasilian Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is a terrible weed in tropical zones (places like Florida and Hawaii) and should be avoided in those areas. Here in Tucson it makes a nice tree though tender for more of the colder spots in town. Schinus is a genus of about 30 species of evergreen shrubs and trees from Central to South America. Crush the leaves of pepper tree (forget the name) and you may get the smell of Mango which pepper trees are related to (in the Anacardiaceae).-- posted by plantboy » mcoogan - Re: Schinus molle In response to message posted by plantboy:I lived under the fragrant shade of pepper trees for a good part of my life. Now I am in Massachusetts (transplant form California) and I miss the smelly creatures. You wouldn't know where I could buy and have shipped a small tree? Seeds? I am currently the gardener at a local museum and the tree would have a very good home, out from spring to early fall, and carefully closeted in a green house for the cold months. -- posted by mcoogan » Dette0418 - Re: Schinus molle In response to message posted by plantboy:I have a huge tree at the back of our home, its roots are somewhat superficial and has damaged our patio flooring, last week, my neighbor has complained that their patio floor is also being lifted, I consulted a tree cutter and has been told that I own a big pepper tree, it is approximately a two story house tall tree with big branches and lush leaves, I have been suggested to have it cut to kill its roots. I am not knowledgeable about plants and trees, but I am also sad to cut off the tree. They said its roots will continue to grow and that it will be detrimental in the near future to our home and our neighbors too since it is not a sturdy tree. How true is this? Thanks. -- posted by Dette0418
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