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Chiltepín

Capsicum annuum

Chile Petin, Bird Pepper, Wild Pepper

About This Plant

Sun or shade. The white flowers produce small, edible, hot peppers later in the season. Chiltepín is widely culivated, being the origin of many sweet peppers, bell peppers, hot chilis, and chili powders, from cayenne to paprika. Despite its “annual” name, it will survive mild winters and releaf in spring, eventually growing into a small bush. Mockingbirds appreciate the fruit, and plant it near any fenceline. Consider it a fun addition to the herb garden or any shaded landscape. Preserve it if you can, because the wild form can be difficult to source from plant vendors. The name often used interchangeably with Chile pequin, but the latter is actually a domesticated and milder version, with a somewhat longer pepper terminating in a point.

Origins: U.S., south to Central and South America.

Maintenance

None needed except to recognize it in order to save it; it often pops up on its own in weedy edges and gets cut down.

The Texas State Native Pepper is hot, spicy and ridiculously easy to grow.

Min. Height: 6

Max Height: 24 inches

Min. Width: 1

Max Width: 3 feet

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