Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Discover the captivating allure of Zanthoxylum simulans, known as Chinese-pepper, Flatspine Prickly Ash, or Szechuan/Sichuan Pepper—an extraordinary shrub that introduces both beauty and culinary delight to your garden. This upright, vase-shaped deciduous plant flaunts a broad, flat-topped crown, adorned with glossy, dark green, pinnately-compound leaves. Its ornamental thorns give it a striking appearance, reminiscent of a rose bush in winter.

Native to eastern China and Taiwan, this versatile shrub is celebrated for producing the unique Szechuan Pepper—a cornerstone in Chinese cuisine, known for its exceptional aroma and distinct, mouth-numbing flavor, unlike traditional chili or black pepper. Perfect for enhancing hot pot dishes, it imparts a delightful blend of citrus, black pepper, and a subtle salty savor.

Zanthoxylum simulans thrives as a specimen plant or in group plantings, delivering high yields of aromatic berries with male and female plants near each other. Harvest these vibrant, dark red fruits from mid-summer to early fall to elevate your culinary creations. Hardy to USDA zone 5a, this exquisite plant withstands temperatures as low as -20°F, making it a stunning and resilient addition to diverse landscapes. Experience the dual splendor of ornamental beauty and gourmet utility with Szechuan Pepper in your garden.