The Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is a perennial shrub native to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. In the United States, it was first introduced in Florida during the 1800's as an ornamental plant. It is still widely used in the United States today as a decorative shrub because of its shiny, evergreen leaves and bright red fruits.
Brazilian peppertree is an aggressive invader that spreads quickly and forms dense monocultures, or single-species stands of vegetation, that displace native plant species. Brazilian peppertree, like most invasive plants, is a prolific seed producer with the seeds being readily dispersed by mammals and birds. Seedlings establish easily and can grow rapidly in a variety of conditions.
The species can become established in disturbed areas (roadsides, canals, fallow fields, and rights-of-ways) as well as in undisturbed habitats such as mangroves, coastal plains and flatwoods, and barrier islands. The invasive shrub is listed as noxious species in Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. Naturalized populations of the species are also found in California, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The northern range of this species is limited by its intolerance of cold temperatures.
Humans can be directly impacted by this species. Brazilian peppertree belongs to the same family (Anacardiaceae) as poison oak, poison ivy, and sumac. Like its cousins, the Brazilian peppertree can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to the sap or pollen.
In the southern United States there are many native plant species that can be used in home gardens and commercial horticulture as alternatives to the Brazilian peppertree. Native alternatives include but are not limited to:
