California Pepper Tree

15 Gallon·Multi

$169.00

1/5

California Pepper Tree

Schinus molle, Schinus Molle

Iconic Wide-Weeping Evergreen Canopy • Fast-Growing Shade for Large Spaces • High-Maintenance & Invasive Roots

$169.00

Size 15 Gallon·Multi 15 Gallon·Stand 24" Box·Multi 24" Box·Stand 36" Box·Multi 36" Box·Stand

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The California Pepper Tree is a fast-growing, iconic evergreen with a dramatic, wide-spreading canopy of weeping branches. Its delicate, fern-like foliage and clusters of showy pink berries create a romantic, Mediterranean feel. However, it is a high-maintenance tree with significant drawbacks that make it suitable only for large, open spaces where its aggressive roots and prolific litter will not cause problems.

Forms a large, picturesque, umbrella-shaped canopy with gracefully weeping branches, providing dense, wide-spreading shade.
Produces attractive clusters of pink to red berries on female trees that are ornamental but create substantial litter and can stain surfaces.
Extremely fast-growing and drought-tolerant once established, thriving in hot, dry locations with poor soil.
Major Drawbacks:
- Invasive Roots: Its roots are highly aggressive and surface-seeking, known to damage sidewalks, foundations, and sewer lines. Plant at least 50 feet away from any structure or pavement.
- High Litter: It drops leaves, flowers, berries, and twigs year-round.
- Weedy: The berries readily sprout, creating weed seedlings everywhere.
Best suited as a single specimen in a large park, ranch, or open field where it has unlimited space and its litter can decompose naturally.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Feathery, pinnate leaves with 15-40 lanceolate leaflets emitting peppery fragrance when crushed,Flowers: Creamy white panicles (spring-summer),Fruit: Vibrant pink peppercorn-like berries (fall-winter),Bark: Flaky gray outer bark revealing reddish underbark,Growth Habit: Weeping, umbrella-shaped crown
Mature Height: 30-60 ft
Mature Width: 10-20 ft
Growth Rate: Fast (2-3 ft/year)
Light Needs: Full sun
Key Advantages:Exceptional drought tolerance,Salt and wind resistant,Deer resistant,Low maintenance,Four-season interest
Culinary Use:Berries processed as "pink peppercorns",Leaves for herbal tea,Resin used as chewing gum
Landscape Uses:Shade tree for large spaces,Xeriscape specimens,Avenue plantings,Mediterranean gardens,Erosion control

Q: Is it a good street or backyard tree?
A: No, it is generally a poor choice for residential landscapes due to its destructive roots and constant mess. Many municipalities have ordinances against planting it near public infrastructure.

Q: Are the berries edible or poisonous?
A: The pink berries are NOT edible and can cause stomach upset if ingested in quantity. They are related to the cashew and contain urushiol-like compounds that can cause skin irritation for some people, similar to poison oak.

Q: What is a good alternative?
A: For a similar weeping form without the problems, consider the Weeping Mulberry (Morus alba ‘Pendula’) or the ‘Bubba’ Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis ‘Bubba’) for smaller spaces. For a clean, drought-tolerant shade tree, choose Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis).