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Brazilian Pepper Tree

Schinus terebinthifolius

Non-Native

Brazilian Pepper Tree Locations in North America
Brazilian Pepper Tree Locations in Southeast US
brazilian pepper tree

brazilian peppertree up close

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

What is Brazilian Pepper Tree?

Other common spellings and names include: Christmas berry tree.

Physical Characteristics

  • Shrub or small tree
  • 30+ feet tall

Leaves:

  • Bright green, evergreen
  • Alternate

Leaflets:

  • 1-2 inches long
  • Elliptical shaped
  • Serrated edges
  • Veins yellow-red in color

Fruit:

  • Round red berries
  • Remain on tree

Flowers: 

  • White
  • Fall flowers

Stem:

  • Short trunk
  • Hidden by branches

Brazilian pepper tree is in the same family as poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac.

Where Does it Grow?

Brazilian pepper tree can be found along shores and in woody areas.

Is it Invasive?

Brazilian pepper tree is non-native to North America and is an aggressive invader that will out-compete the native vegetation in the area. This plant should not be spread.

This is a non-native plant that should not be grown as it is invasive and illegal to possess or transport this species in Texas. Please report sightings to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (512) 389-4800.

How to Manage This Plant
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Photo Credits: The majority of the aquatic plant line drawings are the copyright of the University of Florida Center for Aquatic Plants (Gainsville). They are used with permission.

Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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