Zanthoxylum simulans, commonly known as Sichuan Pepper or Chinese-pepper, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the temperate regions of eastern China and Taiwan, often found in thickets and forest edges. It can grow up to 23 feet (7 meters) tall and is characterized by its aromatic, pinnate leaves and the presence of short, sharp spines on its branches. The plant produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in the spring, followed by reddish-brown fruit capsules that split open to reveal black seeds. The fruits are harvested for their culinary use as a spice.

Sichuan Pepper is valued for its ornamental features, including the textured bark and the compound leaves that turn a beautiful yellow in the fall. It is used in gardens and landscapes for its unique foliage and as a barrier plant due to its spiny branches. This plant prefers full sun to part shade, well-drained soils, and requires moderate watering. It is relatively low-maintenance but may need pruning to control its spread. In cultivation, it is important to be aware of its potential to become invasive in some regions. It is also susceptible to diseases such as canker and root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0