Zanthoxylum piperitum Seeds | Japanese Pepper
LATIN NAME: Zanthoxylum piperitum
COMMON NAME: Japanese Pepper, Japanese Pricklyash, Sansho
Plant Profile
Japanese Pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum) is a shrub in the rue family, native to warm regions of eastern Asia, while it is grown as a fine spice and a fine garden shrub. Given room and time, it reaches roughly Three metres. While it flowers, it feeds a quiet procession of bees and hoverflies. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the rue family, Zanthoxylum piperitum is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. The Japanese pepper has a real and distinguished place in the research. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Japanese Pepper earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Ecologically, the Japanese pepper is a generous shrub of the garden. Its small, inconspicuous flowers feed bees and many insects, and its small, round, aromatic berries feed birds and wildlife, while its fine, pinnate, aromatic foliage gives a fine presence to warm garden. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Sichuan pepper is the tingling spice of ma-la cuisine, its hydroxy-sanshool the molecule behind the famous numbing buzz, and in Chinese medicine the peel, Hua Jiao, is a warming digestive herb; the thorns once guarded villages.
Growing from Seed
Japanese Pepper grows readily from seed. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Japanese Pepper, Japanese Pricklyash, Sansho settles in quickly once it finds its footing. As a shrub, it settles into a routine quickly once established. Moisture matters most while plants are young; established plants cope with far more.
Related Reading
Readers interested in Japanese Pepper frequently explore these as well: