Location specific values:
Array
(
    [lat] => 39.638300
    [lng] => -79.946400
    [elevation] => 326.2561
    [rainfall] => 1061.9149
    [cold_temperature] => -6.3771
    [temperature] => 29.1147
    [user_eto] => 987.47247431
)

Plant specific values:
Array
(
    [rain_min_irrigation] => 90
    [eto_corrected] => 1495
    [eto_adjusted_rain_min (rain_min_irrigation / eto_corrected)] => 0.08494983
)
Peruvian Pepper Tree (Schinus molle) | Easyscape Plant Profile

Peruvian Pepper Tree

(Schinus molle)

Peruvian Pepper Tree (Schinus molle)

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Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements for Morgantown, West Virginia

This Plant Your Site Plant Suitability for Your Location
• Precipitation 0" - 118" 42" Aquatic Aquatic
• High Temp. 54°F - 112°F 84°F Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. Excellent
• Low Temp. 22°F - 69°F 21°F Your winter temperatures may be too cold for this plant Too cold
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.

Summary

Schinus molle, commonly known as Peruvian Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree native to arid zones in the Andean deserts of Peru and in dry forests of South America. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 15 meters (50 feet) in height and width, with a broad, weeping habit. The upper branches tend to droop, giving the tree a distinctive silhouette. Its small, white flowers are showy due to their abundance and are borne in panicles at the ends of the drooping branches, typically blooming from November to February. The round drupes, 5–7 mm in diameter, change color from green to red, pink, or purplish as they mature and are carried in dense clusters, providing ornamental interest. The rough, grayish bark is twisted and exudes sap when cut. The aromatic nature of the bark, leaves, and berries when crushed is a notable feature.

The Peruvian Pepper Tree is valued for its shade, ornamental berries, and weeping form. It is used in urban plantings, as a shade tree, and in large gardens. It is drought-tolerant, requiring low amounts of water once established, and thrives in well-drained soils under full sun conditions. Despite its beauty, it has fallen out of favor in some regions due to its association with black scale, a pest that threatens citrus production. Additionally, its seeds, which germinate readily, can make it invasive in non-native areas, such as Southern California and New Zealand, where it can outcompete local flora. Gardeners should check local regulations before planting to prevent ecological disruptions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 35-45 feet
  • Width: 25-45 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Arid zones in the Andean deserts of Peru and dry forests of South America

Other Names

Common Names: American Pepper, California Pepper Tree, Peppercorn Tree, Peruvian-Mastictree, Peppertree, Pfefferbaum, Aguaribai, Pimientero Falso, Pirul, Molle

Scientific Names: Schinus molle, Schinus molle var. molle, Schinus occidentalis, Duvaua velutina, Mauria schickendantzii, Schinus bituminosus, Schinus molle var. argentifolia, Schinus molle var. huigan, Schinus molle var. huyngan

GBIF Accepted Name: Schinus molle L.