Brazilian Pepper: Irritating Invaders!
Brazilian Pepper
Schinus terebinthifolius
This irritable invasive was first introduced during the 19th century and has invaded many habitats in Central and South Florida. This small shrub-like tree, typically 15 to 30 feet in height, is the most widespread of Florida’s nonnative invasive plant species occupying more than 700,000 acres. Although primarily an invader of landscapes in which the soil has been disturbed and fire excluded, it has formed large dense forests in relatively undisturbed areas adjacent to mangroves along the southwestern portion of Everglades National Park and within the coastal areas of West Central and South Florida. Brazilian pepper is related to poisonwood, poison oak and poison ivy. Use caution if handling!
Brazilian Pepper
Schinus terebinthifolius
Brazilian Pepper
Schinus terebinthifolius
Why Brazilian pepper must be managed
Brazilian pepper invasions represent a significant threat to Florida’s native plant and wildlife populations. Typically, Brazilian pepper forms dense forests that exclude all other plant life by producing a dense closed canopy. These forests are considered to be poor habitat for native wildlife species and may negatively impact bird populations.
Environmental damage caused by Brazilian pepper forests
- Brazilian pepper produces dense closed canopy forests that shade out almost all other plant life.
- Brazilian pepper forests alter natural fire regimes.
- Brazilian pepper forests are considered to be poor habitat for native wildlife species.
Because of its relationship to poison ivy, many who come in contact with its sap develop allergic skin reactions.
Management
1. Clip or saw off any seed-bearing branches and place all seeds in a garbage bag! Seal the bag and dispose of in a dumpster.
2. Basal Bark (for use on smaller trees with trunks less than 3 inches wide): Apply a ring of herbicide (15-20% triclopyr ester+ oil) all the way around the base of the trunk. The ring should be 6 inches tall, and must wrap all the way around the trunk. Proceed to step #4.
OR
3. Cut-Stump (any size tree): Cut main trunk 2-3ft from ground level, beneath any and all lateral branches. If there are multiple trunks, cut them all.
4. Spray open cut area immediately with herbicide: 15-20% triclopyr ester and oil. Use enough herbicide to cover the entire cut surface. The trunk must be sprayed immediately while the tree is still able to absorb the herbicide. After a few minutes the tree will begin to heal, and will block the herbicide absorption.
