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Schinus areira

peppercorn tree

Anacardiaceae Andean South America

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Schinus areira is an evergreen tree in the family Anacardiaceae, reaching 25-50 feet (8-15 m) tall with a broad, weeping crown spreading 20-40 feet (6-12 m). The trunk is often gnarled with rough, furrowed bark. Leaves are pinnately compound, 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long, with 15-40 narrow leaflets each 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, drooping on slender branches and releasing a peppery scent when crushed. Small cream to yellowish flowers form in branched panicles 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long during summer. Female trees produce hanging clusters of round drupes about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across that ripen from green to pink-red, each containing a single seed with a peppercorn-like aroma. The species is native to the Andes of South America and is widely planted in warm, dry regions for shade. It withstands drought, heat, and poor soils once established. In Australia and other warm regions it has naturalised along watercourses and is regulated as an environmental weed in several areas. All plant parts contain irritant compounds that can cause skin and respiratory reactions in sensitive individuals. Roots release allelopathic compounds that suppress nearby vegetation.

Native Range

Schinus areira is native to the Andean regions of South America, including Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina. It grows in semi-arid valleys and open woodland. It has naturalised across Australia, southern Africa, and the southwestern United States.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a shade and street tree in warm, dry climates and large gardens. Used for windbreaks and erosion control on poor soils. Its spread and root vigour limit its use near pavements, drains, and waterways.

How to Identify

Identify Schinus areira by its weeping branches bearing pinnately compound leaves with 15-40 narrow leaflets that smell peppery when crushed. Bark is rough and furrowed on an often gnarled trunk. Female trees carry drooping clusters of pink-red drupes about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across. The weeping habit and peppercorn-scented fruit separate it from Schinus terebinthifolia, which has fewer, broader leaflets and an upright crown.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 50'

Width/Spread20' - 40'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Flowering occurs in summer, mainly December to February in the Southern Hemisphere. Cream to yellowish flowers form in branched panicles 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Female trees then carry hanging clusters of pink-red drupes that persist into autumn and winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

cream to yellow

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Schinus areira in full sun in well-drained soil; it adapts to sandy, loamy, and rocky substrates and tolerates alkaline conditions. Water young trees through the first few summers, after which the species withstands extended drought. It tolerates heat, wind, and coastal exposure but is damaged by hard frost when young. Roots are vigorous and can lift paving or invade drains, so open ground away from structures suits it. Fallen fruit and leaf litter can stain surfaces and suppress understorey plants. In regions where it is a declared weed, planting may be restricted.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to lift the canopy and remove crossing or weak branches. Schinus areira tolerates hard pruning and resprouts readily from cut stems. Removing suckers and self-sown seedlings limits its spread.