Zanthoxylum simulans
Szechuan pepper
Common names: Chinese belt pepper, Sichuan pepper shrub
Photo: Dysmorodrepanis · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Zanthoxylum simulans, commonly known as Szechuan pepper, is a hardy, evergreen spice shrub native to East Asia. It features thorny branches with feathery, aromatic leaves and produces small, reddish fruit capsules in autumn. The skins of these capsules contain the characteristic tingling, numbing flavor associated with Sichuan peppercorns.
Care instructions
Plant in a sunny, wind‑protected spot with well‑drained soil. During the first two to three years, provide winter protection around the root zone with mulch or frost cloth, especially in harsh climates. Water young plants regularly; once established, watering only during dry periods is sufficient. Prune in late winter only if necessary to keep the canopy open and to remove sharp thorns from the surrounding area. Harvest ripe, reddish fruit skins in late summer when they split, then dry them in a well‑ventilated space.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
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