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Schinus terebinthifolia

Brazilian pepper

Anacardiaceae

South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Schinus terebinthifolia is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to South America, reaching 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) tall with a broad, often multi-stemmed crown. The compound leaves have three to thirteen oblong leaflets along a slightly winged central stalk and release a turpentine-like scent when crushed. Small white flowers are borne in branched clusters in autumn, the male and female flowers on separate plants. Female trees produce dense clusters of glossy red berries about 0.2 inch (5 mm) wide that ripen in winter and persist on the branches. S. terebinthifolia was introduced as an ornamental and has become a widespread invasive woody plant in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and parts of California, where it is prohibited or regulated. It forms dense thickets that shade out native vegetation, spreading by bird-dispersed seed and by root and stump sprouts. The sap, leaves, and fruit contain irritant compounds related to those in poison ivy and can cause skin rashes and respiratory irritation. It tolerates drought, flooding, salt, and poor soil. Growth is rapid, and cut or damaged plants resprout vigorously.

Native Range

Schinus terebinthifolia is native to southeastern Brazil, northern Argentina, and Paraguay. In North America it has naturalized across central and southern Florida, coastal Texas, Hawaii, and parts of California, invading hammocks, wetlands, roadsides, and disturbed ground.

Suggested Uses

S. terebinthifolia was formerly planted as an ornamental and shade shrub for its red winter fruit. Its sale, transport, and planting are now prohibited in Florida and restricted in other states under invasive-species laws. It is no longer used for landscaping within its invaded range.

How to Identify

Identify S. terebinthifolia by its compound leaves with a slightly winged central stalk bearing three to thirteen oblong leaflets that smell of turpentine when crushed. Clusters of small white flowers appear in fall, followed on female plants by dense bunches of glossy red berries through winter. The bark is gray-brown, and stems often branch low into a broad, tangled crown.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 30'

Width/Spread15' - 30'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Fall

S. terebinthifolia flowers mainly from September to November, with the white flowers in branched clusters. Plants are either male or female, so only female trees set fruit. Red berries ripen from late autumn into winter and may persist into spring.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

dark green, aromatic

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam clay

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

S. terebinthifolia grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, including sand, limestone, and periodically flooded ground. It withstands drought, salt spray, and standing water once established. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11, it is damaged by hard frost but resprouts from the base. The plant self-seeds heavily through bird-dispersed fruit and resprouts from cut stumps and roots, making it difficult to remove. Contact with sap, foliage, or fruit can cause skin and respiratory irritation in sensitive people. It needs no feeding or irrigation in warm climates.

Pruning

Where S. terebinthifolia is managed, pruning is mainly part of removal, since cut stems resprout unless the stump is treated with herbicide. Taking out female plants before fruit ripens reduces seed spread. Any cutting brings contact with irritant sap and aromatic foliage.