Texas Gulf Region’s What does it look like? Brazilian peppertree is a shrub or small tree Most Unwated: that may attain over 40 feet in height, typically with a short trunk up to 3 feet in Brazilian Peppertree diameter, surrounded by a mass of branches. (Schinus terebinthifolius) The leaves are dark green in color, alternately arranged with 1-2 inch long, elliptical, serrated leaflets having distinct yellow or reddish veins. When crushed, the leaves smell like turpentine or pepper.

Image: Katie Swanson, Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve Image: Ron Billings, What is Brazilian peppertree? Texas A&M Forest Service Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) What are the impacts? a tree native to Brazil, Argentina and Brazilian peppertree replaces native Paraguay, was first introduced to Florida in vegetation with a growth habit that climbs the mid-1800s as an ornamental landscape Image: Katie Swanson, Mission-Aransas over understory trees and chokes out most plant. In recent decades, the plant has National Estuarine Research Reserve other plants through shading. The plant is escaped cultivation and spread How can you prevent the spread? especially suited to colonizing disturbed sites rapidly throughout the state of Florida. Although Brazilian peppertree was once and can grow in both wet or dry conditions. Over 700,000 acres in Florida, ranging from commonly sold in Texas as an ornamental mangrove habitat to pine forests have been plant, it is now on the Texas Department of Schinus terebinthifolius belongs to the family invaded. Agriculture’s noxious weed list. The Anacardiaceae, which includes poison ivy, importation, sale, and distribution of the poison oak and poison sumac. Touching the The species was introduced to Texas around species is prohibited. Additionally, tree may cause skin irritation to people 1950 and has since spread rapidly througout homeowners with this tree are being allergic to it. Pollen generated during the entire Texas coast. The invasion encouraged to control and remove blooming may cause respiratory problems. threatens sensitive coastal habitats. this noxious, invasive species.

For more information or to become involved in stopping Brazilian peppertree on the Texas Gulf Coast visit www.texasinvasives.org/professionals/gulfregion.php. Brazilian Peppertree Mechanical Most effective with large stands. When Control and Management using these methods, the entire plant, including the root system should be Preventative removed. Roots 1/4 inch in diameter or Landowners should avoid cultivating, larger can resprout and produce new plants, transplanting, or spreading of Brazilian so follow-up removal will be necessesary. Be peppertree. Care should be taken to avoid aware that mechanical disturbance can create seed spread through disposal of cut trees. If ideal conditions for seed germination and berries are present, please bag and dispose of may have implications for soil loss. the berries as trash. Image: Ron Billings, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Cultural Basal Bark Treatment Brazilian peppertree seeds cannot A well-established and managed native plant Apply triclopyr ester and a tolerate heat and will not germinate follow- community can provide competition to penetrating oil (bark oil) to the outside of ing exposure to fire. Seedlings can also be suppress Brazilian peppertree. However, due the bark from the ground up to 18”. controlled by exposure to fire, but larger to rapid growth and high germination rates, trees have the potential to resprout from the this species will often outcompete native Foliar Treatment roots following a fire. plants. Apply glyphosate or triclopyr directly to the tree’s foliage. Coverage is essential and this Manual method is most suitable for control of small Digging or pulling seedlings. can control small seedlings. When Chemical methods are safe and effective if digging or pulling, used correctly. Only use when the make sure to environental conditions are correct for remove as much root application. It is illegal to use herbicide in a as possible to prevent manner inconsistent with the product’s label. Image: Lee Clippard, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center resprouting. Carefully read and follow all instructions. Be aware that pulling Chemical and digging creates This species can be controlled by several Integrated Management ideal conditions for chemical treatment methods: Typically, a combination of treatment seed germination, so methods is most effective to eradicate these sites will need Cut Stump Treatment Brazilian peppertree. Your method and to be carefully Cut the trunk as low to the ground as prescription should consider human and monitored for new possible. Within 5 minutes, apply a herbicide environmental factors, please contact growth. containing glyphosate or triclopyr to the Image: Katie Swanson, Mission-Aransas [email protected] if you National Estuarine Research Reserve stump. need assistance in creating a treatment plan. For more information or to become involved in stopping Brazilian peppertree on the Texas Gulf Coast visit www.texasinvasives.org/professionals/gulfregion.php.