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Zanthoxylum piperitum

Zanthoxylum piperitum

Japanese pepper, Japanese prickly-ash

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Description

Zanthoxylum piperitum (Sichuan pepper) is the most common species within this unfamiliar genus in the Rutaceae (rue or citrus family). The Sichuan pepper comes from Japan, Korea and northern China. The Sichuan pepper grows narrow and upright in its juvenile form, ultimately reaching a height of around seven metres and - thanks to the flat branching habit - a similar width. This small tree or medium-sized to large shrub naturally develops into a multi-stem form and eventually acquires a whimsical, round crown and yet displays a compact, neat form compared with other species of Zanthoxylum.

The dark brown branches and twigs of the Sichuan pepper are covered with pairs of razor-sharp, flat, red-brown thorns. On older stems, these flatten down to irregular thorn stubs. It produces flattened corymbs of yellow-green flowers and although unremarkable, they are prized by insects. The reddish, round and flesh-like capsules contain aromatic seeds. The unevenly pinnate, dark green leaf is made up of 11 to 19 leaflets. The midrib is hairy with fine spikes. In the autumn the tree turns a magnificent bright yellow, making a nice contrast with the red berries. The leaves in particular have a lemony scent and are used in cooking.

Zanthoxylum piperitum is very hardy and easy to grow. What’s more, it is not particular about the soil and not prone to diseases. The Sichuan pepper provides ornamental value in every season and the fact it is edible makes it a special plant to use. Plus, the tree's quirky form and many thorns provide ideal cover for birds. This botanical rarity is a wonderful addition for the garden but can even be planted in parks and on a sheltered roof garden or in containers.

Types of planting

Tree types

multi-stemmed trees characteristic trees solitary shrubs

Use

Location

park in containers roof garden large garden small garden

Pavement

none none

Planting concepts

food forest

Characteristics

Crown shape

flattened spherical flattened spherical vase-shaped vase-shaped

Crown structure

semi-open semi-open

Height

5 - 7 m

Width

5 - 7 m

Winter hardiness zone

6A - 8B

Aspects

Wind

intolerant to wind

Soil

loess sabulous clay light clay sand loamy soil

Nutrient level

low in nutrients moderately rich in nutrients rich in nutrients

Soil moisture level

dry moist

Light requirements

sun partial shade

pH range

acidic neutral alkaline

Host plant/forage plant

bees birds nectar value 5 pollen value 5

Extreme environments

tolerates heat

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Order this plant? Or would you like further information about Zanthoxylum piperitum? Make an appointment for a detailed planting recommendation.
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Photos

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multi-stem multi-stem
Zanthoxylum piperitum multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Zanthoxylum piperitum multi-stem
multi-stem multi-stem
Zanthoxylum piperitum multi-stem
shrub solitary shrubs
Zanthoxylum piperitum solitary shrubs
shrub solitary shrubs
Zanthoxylum piperitum solitary shrubs
shrub solitary shrubs
Zanthoxylum piperitum solitary shrubs
flowers flowers
Zanthoxylum piperitum flowers
leaves leaves
Zanthoxylum piperitum leaves
leaves leaves
Zanthoxylum piperitum leaves
leaves leaves
Zanthoxylum piperitum leaves
leaves leaves
Zanthoxylum piperitum leaves
leaves leaves
Zanthoxylum piperitum leaves
fruits fruits
Zanthoxylum piperitum fruits
fruits fruits
Zanthoxylum piperitum fruits
fruits fruits
Zanthoxylum piperitum fruits
bark bark
Zanthoxylum piperitum bark
bark bark
Zanthoxylum piperitum bark
bark bark
Zanthoxylum piperitum bark
twigs twigs
Zanthoxylum piperitum twigs
twigs twigs
Zanthoxylum piperitum twigs

Flowers

Flowers

panicle corymbose infundibular discrete small

Flower colour

yellow-green

Flowering period

June - July

Leaves

Leaf colour

dark green

Leaves

deciduous polished a bit prickly rough underside hairy scented with contusion pinnate

Autumn colour

pale yellow

Fruits

Fruit colour

red

Fruits

striking rich fruit yield edible small aromatic capsule

Bark

Bark colour

grey-brown

Bark

smooth thorned

Twigs

Twig colour

dark brown

Twigs

thorned with lenticels polished horizontal branches pendulous long shoots

Root system

Root system

shallow fine roots

For and by green professionals

The TreeEbb is a platform for and by green professionals, in which we collect knowledge and experience from the sector and make this available for users. All the details and photos are free to use for non-commercial purposes. Want to share your tree knowledge? Send photographs and additional information to treeebb@ebben.nl

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Winter hardiness zone
OK
Coastal area
OK
Use
Location
OK
Pavement
OK
Host plant/forage plant
OK
Planting concepts
OK
Types of planting
Tree types
OK
Multi-stemmed trees
OK
Crown structure
OK
Crown shape
OK
Topiary on stem
OK
Topiary
OK
Height
m
-
m
OK
Width
m
-
m
OK
Aspects
Wind
OK
Soil
OK
Nutrient level
OK
Soil moisture level
OK
Light requirements
OK
PH range
OK
Extreme environments
OK
Stage of succession
OK
Plant characteristics
Flowering period
January
-
December
OK
Flower colour
OK
Leaf colour
OK
Autumn colour
OK
Fruit colour
OK
Bark colour
OK
Special features
OK
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Winter hardiness

A plant's winter hardiness is the coldest area in which it is frost-resistant. This is based on the average annual minimum temperature. Winter hardiness zones are thirteen different frost zones in steps of 5.5 degrees Celsius. This format is an international standard for the hardiness of plants. The zones in which the plant is frost-resistant are always included in the description of trees and other vegetation.

Winter hardiness is a genetic characteristic and is not influenced by the location in which the plant is cultivated. This means that a plant that has been cultivated for many years in winter-hardiness zone 6 but has a winter hardiness of 3 is perfectly suited for replanting in a colder zone. It will thrive there thanks to its genetic characteristics.

When choosing planting for a project, the winter hardiness of the plants is extremely important. By choosing species that match the zone in which the project is being created, it is possible to ensure that plants can withstand the minimum temperature in that area.

Winter hardiness map
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British Asssociation of Landscape Industries

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F +31 (0)485 31 38 88
E info@ebben.nl

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