CA Pepper Trees (Schinus molle I think)

Hi,
My next door neighbor has planted 2 CA pepper trees about a foot away from the wall between our back yards. Given that these trees (which seem to grow before our eyes) will one day tear down the stucco wall, drop giant branches on our house and be a filthy mess, I am looking for something positive about them beyond their attractive willowy look. So.. 1. Can some one tell me how birds feel about them and can they eat the berries? Since I am a backyard birder that would make me feel better about them. 2. Can the berries be harvested and made use of for anything edible?
Thanks, Barbara

This message was edited Nov 18, 2007 10:26 AM

Well, I can't tell you offhand what use you can make of them and there are many who hate them and say they're messy, but I happen to love them. Love most any kind of tree, actually. I know that it's a problem on smaller lots where people don't always have room for trees and they end up affecting someone else's property, but if you're real lucky, you will have neighbors who share your love for trees and will appreciate the trees that you plant and vice versa. I'd always rather have a neighbor who plants trees and then I get to share them also, otherwise some neighborhoods would have no trees. And a world without trees is a lesser world to me.

Well, I should be thankful that she planted any kind of trees. No, I can't say that she loves trees. When she purchased the house she razed all the beautiful mature pine trees along the back because they werent the "right look", and a giant sycamore that shaded the west end of our house because it "dropped to many leaves". Needless to say it was horrifying to come home to and I cried for days. I think when she figures out that these peppers are messy they will go too.
B

Oh!!! I'm afraid I would have to move! Anyone who takes down a sycamore...off with their heads! And pines? Obviously the woman belongs in a condo and you do have my sympathies. There must be something amiss with a person who would take down sycamores and pines and then plant a pepper tree. Wonder what look she's going for....

Hate to make things sound worse, but I once asked at Las Pilitas (native plant nursery) about pepper trees because a neighbor was going to plant a bunch of them and I wanted to discourage him. They told me the trees offer no benefits whatsoever to our environment. Well, I guess they photosynthesize, so that's not strictly true, but otherwise they are useless and messy and spread like crazy. Sorry Sherry.

BTW, the name is a misnomer - they come from South America. Another thing to blame on the Franciscan monks - like mustard! They are majestic looking when big, I agree, but they are a pest.

http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Schinus_terebinthifolius.htm

This is supposed to be the first one planted in California - from a seed. http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1055750637035725327GzQJqU

I've seen robins feeding on the fruit and, according to this site http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/detail.asp?recnum=TS0098 , the fruit are
"... consumed by various songbirds, including robins, mockingbirds, and cedar waxwings."

There is some dispute as to edibility, because handling the leaves or berries, or eating the berries, can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, according to Trade Winds Fruit, "Fruits smell and taste like black pepper and can be used as a substitute". I've never tried one, but they sure do smell tasty! Here's an interesting article about traditional uses: http://www.mulysa.org/blog/2005/11/23/schinus-molle/

I guess you can tell that I like pepper trees. I wouldn't plant one in a small yard or near a foundation, but if I had a huge backyard, I might put one in somewhere.

I'm undiscriminating in my love for trees...we have eucalyptus,pepper trees, liquid amber, tipu, fruiting mulberry, sycamores, canary pines, ash, loquat, king pines, brazilian pepper, avocado, macadamia, sapote, persimmon, and various smaller fruit trees. I love each and every one of them.
edited to add.....forgot oak and Chinese pistache.....I don't know why, but have had no luck growing poplars on this property and I seriously think I have to go get 2-3 Bradford pear trees this week. I love nothing more than to be surrounded by tall trees and the diversity of woodlands and yet I've spoken with people who cannot stand to be 'overshadowed' by trees to the extent that they don't even like overhanging eaves on their house. How do we get to be the way we are?
Oh,and silk oaks and Mexican fan palms....did I mention that I love trees?...lol....



This message was edited Nov 21, 2007 10:17 PM

One link I found for Florida said the bluebird population had increased since the invasion of pepper trees. However, they are so weedy they are prohibited there now. Also a problem in Hawaii, apparently. I'm not a radical about non-native plants, but when they start destroying the natural landscape, I draw the line. Also, anything that says "allergy" makes me very wary. lol

I like them very much for their weeping effect and branch structure, but they are indeed messy and difficult to garden under. Perfect for the natural look, and non manicured setting.