Chinese Pepper

(Zanthoxylum simulans)

Chinese Pepper (Zanthoxylum simulans)

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant
Zanthoxylum simulans image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Zanthoxylum simulans Native Range
Native Range
zoom into map zoom out of map
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 33" - 71"
• High Temp. 77°F - 92°F
• Low Temp. 27°F - 41°F

Summary

Zanthoxylum simulans, commonly known as Sichuan Pepper or Chinese-pepper, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the temperate regions of eastern China and Taiwan, often found in thickets and forest edges. It can grow up to 23 feet (7 meters) tall and is characterized by its aromatic, pinnate leaves and the presence of short, sharp spines on its branches. The plant produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in the spring, followed by reddish-brown fruit capsules that split open to reveal black seeds. The fruits are harvested for their culinary use as a spice.

Sichuan Pepper is valued for its ornamental features, including the textured bark and the compound leaves that turn a beautiful yellow in the fall. It is used in gardens and landscapes for its unique foliage and as a barrier plant due to its spiny branches. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance but may need pruning to control its spread. Gardeners should manage plantings thoughtfully outside its native range to prevent unintended spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 26-49 feet
  • Width: 10-22 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Green
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, 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., Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Temperate thickets and forest edges in eastern China and Taiwan

Other Names

Common Names: Chinese Prickly Ash, Szechuan Pepper, Sichuan-Pepper, Ye Hua Jiao, 왕초피나무, Flatspine Prickly-ash

Scientific Names: Zanthoxylum simulans, Fagara podocarpa, Fagara setosa, Xanthoxylum bungei, Zanthoxylum acanthophyllum, Zanthoxylum argyi, Zanthoxylum bungeanum var. zimmermannii, Zanthoxylum bungei var. inermis, Zanthoxylum bungei var. zimmermannii

GBIF Accepted Name: Zanthoxylum simulans