Brazilian Pepper

The Brazilian Pepper Tree, scientifically known as Schinus terebinthifolia, is a vigorous and highly invasive evergreen shrub or small tree, unfortunately often encountered in warm climates where it has naturalized. Native to subtropical and tropical South America, particularly Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil, it thrives in warm, humid to semi-arid environments, adapting to a wide range of soil types, from disturbed areas to coastal dunes. In Phoenix, Arizona, while sometimes still encountered in older landscapes, it is now widely recognized as a highly invasive species and its planting is discouraged or prohibited due to its detrimental environmental impacts. As a long-lived perennial, the Brazilian Pepper Tree can easily persist for 50 years or more, forming dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation.

Its most distinctive characteristics include its dense, sprawling, and often multi-stemmed growth habit, forming a large shrub or small tree typically reaching 10-30 feet tall and wide. The leaves are pinnately compound, composed of numerous glossy, dark green leaflets that emit a peppery or turpentine-like scent when crushed. The tree produces inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in large clusters, typically in late spring to summer. These are followed by profuse clusters of small, shiny, bright red berries that ripen in fall and winter, creating a showy display that resembles holly. These berries are highly attractive to birds, which then widely disperse the seeds, contributing to its invasive spread. It’s important to note that the sap, leaves, and berries of the Brazilian Pepper Tree can cause skin irritation (similar to poison ivy) in sensitive individuals, and burning the wood can release toxic fumes. Its aggressive growth, tolerance to various harsh conditions (including drought, heat, and poor soil), and its prolific reseeding ability have made it a significant ecological threat in many warm regions. Due to its highly invasive nature and potential health irritants, the Brazilian Pepper Tree is not recommended for planting in landscapes, especially in sensitive ecosystems like those in and around Phoenix, Arizona.