Search
Carolina Patton, Dane Shackelford, Rodrigo Diaz
Brazilian peppertree seen in Grand Isle, June 2025. Image source: Rodrigo Diaz, LSU AgCenter.
Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) is an evergreen shrub or tree native to southeast Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. This tree is an invasive species in the U.S., particularly in Florida, but it is also found in Alabama, Georgia, California, Hawaii, Texas, and Louisiana. Brazilian peppertree forms dense thickets and produces thousands of fruits, displacing native vegetation and rapidly invading disturbed areas. Experience from Florida suggests that these thickets are poor habitats for wildlife and can reduce bird populations. In addition, this tree produces allelopathic compounds that prevent growth of other plants and is the host of other invasive species including the citrus root weevil and whiteflies. People could develop rashes due to the exposure of this tree since it is in the same family as poison ivy, poisonwood, and poison oak. In Florida, Brazilian peppertree ranks among the most widespread and troublesome invasive species, with the state spending millions of dollars annually on its control and management.
Brazilian peppertree is commonly found in subtropical and tropical regions of United States. Observations from Florida and Texas suggest that this tree grows aggressively in open areas with wet soils. Infestations have been reported on roadsides, mangroves, coastal wetlands, pine forests, and farms.
Brazilian peppertree was reported in Grand Isle, Jefferson Parish, in June 2025. The tree was approximately 32 feet tall, and the branches extended to form a canopy of 7,000 square feet (25m x 25m). The diameter of the trunk at the base was about 5 feet and formed by several large branches. Observations during June 2025 demonstrated that this tree was growing aggressively at this location. Old fruits or drupes were seen on the branches of this tree in June and were probably leftovers of the previous winter crop. Satellite images showed that this tree was present at the site since 2013. Based on these observations, areas of coastal Louisiana seem suitable not only for the establishment, but also the aggressive growth of Brazilian peppertree. As July 2025, several agencies are planning to remove this tree from the property and to establish a monitoring program of new infestations.
Growing tip of Brazilian peppertree seen in Grand Isle, June 2025. Image source: Rodrigo Diaz, LSU AgCenter
Basal diameter of Brazilian peppertree seen in Grand Isle, June 2025. Image source: Carolina Patton, LSU AgCenter.
Brazilian peppertree belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is usually a small shrub or tree but can grow up to 35 feet tall. It can be easily identified by its alternate, compound leaves with a winged rachis. The leaflet margins range from entire to serrate, with inflorescences in the form of axillary panicles. It has bright red, berry-like, glabrous fruits borne in clusters. Flowers are produced from September to October, and fruits are present from November to March.
Leaf of Brazilian peppertree. Image source: Rodrigo Diaz, LSU AgCenter
Flowers of Brazilian peppertree. Image source: Amy Ferriter, State of Idaho, Bugwood.org
Fruits of Brazilian peppertree. Image source: Stephanie Sanchez, Bugwood.org
The fruit of the Brazilian peppertree is produced by hermaphroditic flowers with an atrophied pistil and typically matures in winter in southern United States. Moreover, seedlings have a high survival rate and can be found throughout the year. The seeds are commonly dispersed by birds, but the plant can also reproduce asexually through its roots.
Brazilian peppertree can be removed by cutting the tree down and applying a glyphosate-based herbicide to the top of the stumps. Another option is to use a basal bark herbicide, applying it directly to the lower part of the trunk. This method may take several weeks to show results and is more effective in the fall, when the tree is flowering, due to the high level of translocation occurring within the plant. People could be allergic to the exposure to Brazilian peppertree; therefore, caution should be taken when cutting and removing branches.
After years of studies, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the release of the Brazilian peppertree thrips, Pseudophilothrips ichini. This thrips species feeds on the new shoots, reducing its growth rate and reproductive capacity. The damage by this thrips can be easily recognized by the brown growing tips. Several federal and state agencies are mass rearing and releasing this thrips species in Florida and Texas.
You can prevent the spread of Brazilian peppertree in Louisiana by learning how to identify this tree and reporting to authorities.
