Free shipping in the Netherlands & Belgium from €75*

Please note: this is a 1 year old bare root seedling.

The Szechuan pepper (Zanthoxylum Americanum) , also known as the North American toothbeard, is a unique and versatile plant that is both decorative and functional. This shrub or small tree is known for its aromatic properties and is a popular choice for culinary and exotic plant lovers.

Features:

  • Flowering: The Szechuan pepper blooms in spring (April-May) with small, yellow-green flowers that look subtle but elegant.
  • Fruits: After flowering, the plant forms red, peppery seed pods that burst open to reveal shiny black seeds. The husks of these seed pods are used as the famous Szechuan peppercorn spice, which is known for its citrusy aroma and slight tingle on the tongue.
  • Leaves: The dark green, compound leaves are aromatic and spread a fresh citrus scent when crushed. The leaves can also be used in dishes, but of course do not pick the tree completely bare.
  • Thorns: The branches have striking thorns, which also makes the plant suitable as natural protection or hedge.
  • Height: This shrub or small tree can reach a height of 3-4 metres and has an airy, open growth habit.

Location and care:
The Zanthoxylum Americanum likes a sunny to semi-shaded location and does well in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. The plant is winter-hardy, low-maintenance and can withstand drought well. Any pruning is best done in late winter or early spring.

Why choose Szechuan pepper?

  • Ideal for culinary enthusiasts, the seed pod skins are an essential ingredient in Asian cuisine.

Plant information
This 1-year-old bare-root seedling is sold in winter dormancy without leaves. Bare-root plants are always sold without leaves because the bare roots would otherwise dry out. It is best to pot the plant directly in 70% quality potting soil and 30% perlite. Place the plant in a cool, light place (greenhouse or garage with window) and avoid frost below -5°C. It is best to keep the plant in a pot with good drainage for the first year. When the plant is large enough, it can be planted out.

Biologisch
Yes
Type en soort
Potted plant

Dispatch

We ship your order within 1-2 business days*. For orders over €75, you'll receive one free shipment. Shipping is available from €3.95. All orders are shipped as a parcel with a track and trace code, so you can track your order at any time. Read more about shipping costs in our FAQ.

Delivery time pre-order
Your order will be shipped from the indicated availability date. This also applies if you combine a pre-order with products already in stock. If you want to receive the in-stock products sooner, select "Multiple deliveries" as the shipping method.

Sjef van Dongen - Fruitzforlife

In 2020, Sjef and Wilma van Dongen transformed Sjef's uncle's pig farm into an agroforestry nursery . What began as experiments in their garden, Fruithof De Brand , has grown into a unique 6-hectare project where nursery and food forest come together.

Their focus is on the best, disease-resistant, and flavorful varieties —from mulberries, pawpaws, and leaf curl-free peaches to walnuts, chestnuts, and grapes. This creates a collection of plants that are not only beautiful and productive but also contribute to increased biodiversity.

Sjef combines a pragmatic approach with years of experience in the agricultural industry. This allows him to inspire and provide practical guidance to individuals, communities, and farmers alike in planting trees and shrubs. Using innovative techniques like Air-Pot® container cultivation, he also ensures strong planting material ready to grow into healthy, robust trees.

Their mission? To make people healthier and happier by connecting them with an environment full of edible trees and shrubs – a tangible step towards a greener future.

Cultivation method

At FruitzforLife, they operate their 6-hectare nursery with a clear conviction: pesticides are unnecessary . They grow strong, resilient plants that are in harmony with their environment.

They grow a large portion of their plants themselves. They also collaborate with families and cutting companies in the Netherlands, France, Poland, and Germany who propagate their plants. This creates a network of growers who share the same vision.

Their nursery model allows farmers and families to plant fruit and nut trees for their own use, while simultaneously growing additional trees for sale. This way, they contribute to a greener future and generate additional income in the first few years after planting.

FruitzforLife operates in an environmentally conscious way : from wood fiber as a growing medium (instead of coir), recycled and reusable pots, and solar-powered electric vehicles to machines that run on biodiesel. Their application for Skal certification is also in progress.

Their nursery is located on two former intensive livestock farms. Where chickens, pigs, and cows once stood, trees and shrubs now flourish. Together with the former farmers and a dedicated team, they are building a chain of families committed to sustainability. This is how FruitzforLife is gradually changing the future – with an eye for people, nature, and future generations.

Szechuan Pepper - Bare Root

€27,95