Zanthoxylum piperitum

Zanthoxylum piperitum unites ornamental beauty with culinary value. This unusual deciduous, thorny shrub, often called Japanese pepper or Sansho, offers finely divided, aromatic glossy green foliage that fills the air with scent when crushed. The tender young leaves, known as kinome, are prized fresh as a garnish or blended into vibrant pastes, while autumn transforms the foliage into glowing shades of yellow and orange. Delicate yellow-green flowers appear before giving way to red fruits that split open to reveal dark seeds, cultivated mainly for their citrus-scented berries, dried and ground to create a distinctive spice. A medium-sized shrub, it brings structure, seasonal colour and edible interest to borders and kitchen gardens alike. Ultimate height and spread: 1.5m to 2.5m. (4.9 to 8.2ft).