California Peppertree (Schinus molle)

Family: Anacardiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Bloom Color: White, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late fall, Mid fall. Form: Rounded.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Shoots, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The dried and roasted berries are used as a pepper substitute. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. An (essential?) oil distilled from the fruit is used as a spice in baked goods and candy. — The dried and roasted berries are used as a pepper substitute.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.; An (essential?) oil distilled from the fruit is used as a spice in baked goods and candy.; The fruits are pulverised and used in cooling drinks called 'horchatas' in S.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry regions in the Andes, it is found as a bush in dry lands but reaches tree size in dry river beds with accessible underground water. (Zone 8)