RHS Other common names
Chinese pepper
Synonyms
Zanthoxylum bungei var. inermis
Shrubs Trees
A bushy, spiny, medium to large deciduous shrub or small tree. The ash-like leaves are up to 8cm long with up to 11 broad leaflets. Flat-topped sprays of small, yellow-green flowers are produced in early summer, followed by open clusters of small, red fruits that split open to reveal black seeds. Leaves, bark and fruit are all aromatic. May be grown as an edible - the seed pods can be dried and used as a condiment which is more pungent than black pepper
Position
Full sun
Soil Types
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Max Height
2.5-4 metres
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres