The Unusual, Fragrant Australian Native That Adds Privacy To Your Yard

Mountain pepper (Drimys lanceolata), also known as Tasmanian mountain pepper, is a dense evergreen defined by its vibrant red stems, aromatic, dense green leaves, and spicy fruits. Mountain pepper is native to the cool woodlands of Australia, particularly Tasmania, New South Wales, and Victoria. The leaves and berries are often used in medicine and food. It's considered a bush spice, used by Indigenous Australians in traditional medicines and as a pepper substitute. In its native habitat, mountain pepper's fruity, peppery berries are a natural magnet for birds. Growing up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, the shrub makes great hedge plants for adding natural privacy.

Mountain pepper grows well in mild climates. In the U.S., it's hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10. The shrub's white or pale yellow blooms appear in late winter and early spring, with berries forming in late spring and summer. 

Although it's less common than native evergreens, you may be able to find mountain pepper in nurseries in parts of California and the Pacific Northwest. These regions generally fall within its hardiness range and offer the climactic conditions in needs to thrive. If it's out of stock at the local nurseries but you know someone who's growing it in their yard, you should be able to propagate new plants from mature mountain pepper cuttings. Just note that this process is a bit time-consuming, as it takes about a year for the cuttings to root.

If you're planning to grow mountain pepper as a privacy screen for your yard, space the plants at half of their mature width, or approximately 4 feet apart. For a more formal look, trim the plants into a hedge once they've reached their adult size. Mountain pepper prefers to be in a location with partial shade and moist soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Test your soil to prepare it for successful planting. These plants prefer a well-draining growing medium, but aren't drought resistant, so water them regularly. Mountain pepper plants typically mature in about three years and can live as long as 40 years with proper care and maintenance.