CALIFORNIA PEPPER

The aromatic California pepper tree, with its gracefully drooping branches and foliage, is strikingly handsome to behold.

Naturalized here, the tall, evergreen tree is a native of South

America. But many years ago, it spread to Mexico, California, Texas and other dry areas in North America, where its drought-resistant qualities enabled it to flourish.

Because of its exotic beauty, the California pepper ( Schinus molle ) is often planted along streets and highways. It is equally at home among native trees and other wildlife in local mountains, forests and woodlands.

The fast-growing tree has a widely spreading, rounded crown of heavy limbs and branches, and reaches heights of up to 50 feet. Its bark is light brown and rough.

Leaves range from bright green to yellowish green. They are pennately compound and divided into many leaflets, which generally are paired and, range from 1 1/2 to 2 inches long.

Pepper trees are especially showy in the fall and winter, when the tiny, yellowish-white flowers become small, reddish berries about 1/4 inch in diameter. The berries, which resemble beads, have a peppery taste and are eaten by songbirds.

The berries are used in medicines, to flavor beverages and as a substitute for black pepper. The tree’s bark, leaves, fruit and gum long have been used in homemade medical remedies.