Szechuan Pepper

Szechuan Pepper is a deciduous shrub or small tree, typically 3-4m in height and spread, often with thorny stems. It's cultivated for its aromatic, dried seed pods (pericarps) which are used as a spice, providing a unique citrusy, tingling, and numbing sensation. Hardy (H5) and adaptable to most well-drained soils, it prefers full sun to partial shade. Inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers appear in July-August, sometimes followed by clusters of red berries that split to reveal black seeds. It's a unique edible plant for the adventurous gardener and can be grown in a large container.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.