Sechuan Pepper

Zanthoxylum simulans

The highly fragrant seeds and leaves are used in Chinese cooking. This shrub (which sports large, fat thorns) grows to up 10′ or larger and is hardy to -10 F. Most cooks prefer grinding and using the exterior husk of the seed, as the black seeds themselves can be quite bitter.

While production is said to benefit from having a male and female plants, almost all plants produce both fruit and seeds.

Hardy to USDA Zone: 6

MatureHeight: 10′

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: September

Pollination: Self Fertile