CALIFORNIA PEPPER

---

• Not a true pepper (which is Piper nigrum) and not a California native (it hails from South America), the California pepper was introduced to the States when the Spanish missions were built. It offers lacy, delicate, evergreen foliage, a sculptural twisted branch structure and attractive textured bark. Hardy to 20 degrees F.
   
• Springtime drooping clusters of tiny, pale yellow flowers that develop into bunches of pink berries in the fall. The more female flowers, the more berries; some trees have mostly male flowers and have almost no "peppers."
   
• Prefer well-drained soils; can be prone to root rot in soggy situations. Remove lower branches when young if clearance beneath is desired; has a low branching habit. Can be brittle and break easily in high winds; prune regularly. Susceptible to scale and psyllid damage. Tolerates high heat and drought.
   
• Grows quickly to 25-40 feet, with equal spread.