Peruvian Peppertree
Schinus molle
- Native to:
- Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
Charles Gadbois
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Anacardiaceae
- Genus:
- Schinus
- Species:
- Schinus molle
- USDA Symbol:
- SCMO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Calleta silkmoth (Eupackardia calleta), Ceanothus Silkmoth (Hyalophora euryalus), orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia citrana), Oslar's eacles (Eacles oslari), Rothschildia cinctus, Sabulodes caberata, Splendid Royal Moth (Citheronia splendens)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire or cutting. Considered invasive in fire-prone ecosystems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Fresh seed germinates best; soaking in water for 24 hours may improve germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI