Szechuan Pepper A spiny, deciduous shrub for the smaller garden, Zanthoxylum piperitum is a small, bushy, deciduous shrub, with aromatic bark, leaves and fruit. The leaves are deep green and composed of many leaflets, turning yellow in autumn. Sprays of small, yellow-green flowers are produced in early summer; these are followed by small, red fruits which can be used for cooking Chinese food. If not picked, they split open to reveal black seeds. Szechuan pepper is a productive plant – the fruits are delicious. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Any light, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunSeason of interest: Spring, summer, autumnHardiness: Very hardyHeight:  5-8’ (1.5-2.5m) Spread: 5-8’ (1.5-2.5m) in 5-10 years