Zanthoxylum piperitum Black Magic

A Japanese cultivar with purplish-black foliage, discovered at the foot of Mount Fuji. Over 10 years, it forms a thorny shrub reaching 2–3 meters in height and similar width. The odd-pinnate leaves are strongly aromatic, remaining dark throughout the growing season and turning red in autumn. This is a dioecious male plant, which does not produce fruit but can serve as a pollinator. It prefers humus-rich, moderately moist soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Fully frost-hardy and drought-tolerant, it performs well in urban conditions. The dark foliage and distinctive leaf shape provide a bold accent in color compositions. One of its key features is the intense fragrance of all plant parts. Hardiness zone: 6b -20/-18 °C

Cultivar denomination: ‘Kuro-fune’

Breeder: unknown, Japan

Year of market introduction: 2020 r.

Applicant: Szkółka SZMIT, ul. Kwiatowa 18, 06-400 Pęchcin, Poland