Chile Pequin

(Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum)

Chile Pequin (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum, commonly known as Chile Pequin, is an evergreen perennial herb that thrives in the understory of forests and in scrublands of Mexico, Central America to northern South America. It typically grows to about 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall. The Chile Pequin is well-adapted to hot climates and, in regions free from hard frost, can live for 35–50 years. This plant is characterized by its small, fiery peppers that transition from green to a vibrant red or orange-red as they mature. The peppers are roughly 0.8 cm (0.31 inches) in diameter, with some tepin pepper strains tending towards a more spherical shape when fresh. Upon drying, tepin peppers often appear rounder than they do when fresh. The peppers are notably pungent and are among the hottest of the Capsicum annuum varieties. White flowers bloom in the spring and summer, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.

Chile Pequin is valued for its ornamental appeal, culinary uses, and its ability to attract wildlife, such as birds that feed on the peppers. It is often used in gardens for its bright, showy fruits and as a natural source of spice. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and benefits from high levels of water, preferring soils with medium drainage. While it can be a challenge to grow in non-native areas due to its heat and water requirements, it is a resilient plant that, once established, requires minimal maintenance. Gardeners should be aware that the peppers can be a skin and eye irritant, and appropriate care should be taken when handling them.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Width: 2-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption.

Natural Habitat

the understory of forests and in scrublands of Mexico, Central America to northern South America

Other Names

Common Names: Chile Petin, Bird Peppers, Bird’s-Eye, Turkey Pepper, Chilipiquin, Chiltepe, Chiltepin, Piquin, Chiltepinpeppar

Scientific Names: , Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum, Capsicum annuum var. aviculare, Capsicum campylopodium, Capsicum annuum var. minus, Capsicum chlorocladum, Capsicum conoides, Capsicum annuum subsp. minimum, Capsicum hispidum var. glabriusculum, Capsicum frutescens var. minus

GBIF Accepted Name: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum (Dunal) Heiser & Pickersgill