San Luis Rey in Oceanside in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Oldest Pepper Tree in California
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 13, 2026
1. Oldest Pepper Tree in California Marker
The oldest pepper tree in California was planted by Fr. Antonio Peyri in the middle of the Mission garden. The seeds were brought to San Juis Rey in 1830 by a sailor from Peru and the tree still stands today.
The California Pepper Tree (Schinus molle), native to the arid zone of northern South America, is a drought-tolerant evergreen that grows to 50 feet. It blooms profusely in panicles at the ends of drooping branches and produces small yellow-white summer flowers which give way to clusters of rose-colored berries in the fall and winter. These berries do not produce commercial "pepper". Medicinally, S. molle was used in treating a variety of wounds and infections due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. 33° 13.932′ N, 117° 19.221′ W. Marker is in Oceanside, California, in San Diego County. It is in San Luis Rey. It is on Mission Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4050
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Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mission San Luνs Rey de Francia (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Walled Garden (approx. Ό mile away); Andrew Jackson Myers (approx. Ό mile away); El Camino Real Bell (approx. 3.3 miles away); Rancho Guajome (approx. 3.9 miles away); Hosp Grove (approx. 4 miles away); Boys of '45 (approx. 4 miles away); Retreat Hell! (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oceanside.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 13, 2026
2. Marker and Pepper Tree
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 13, 2026
3. Oldest Pepper Tree in California
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 21 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 14, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
