Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum (Chile Petin)

Synonyms: Capsicum annuum var. aviculare. 

Chile Petin (also sometimes called Chile Pequin) is our perennial native pepper. Do not let the small pepper size fool you – they are definitely on the hotter side (slightly hotter than a cayenne pepper). Birds, particularly mockingbirds, like the peppers. The plant may die to the ground in the winter but comes back in the spring. If the peppers are not harvested, they will re-seed as well. Chile Petin is drought tolerant, although it appreciates occasional watering in the summer. It needs good drainage. Chile Petin looks best in the garden if planted en masse, or interplanted with other perennials or grasses.

DISTRIBUTION MAPS 

USDA MAP

BONAP MAP

Present in state

Present in county and native

Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state

Not present in state

Present and rare, native in county

Previously present, now extinct

Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color)