Brazilian Peppers Trees

What Are Brazilian Pepper Trees?

  • Origins & Introduction
    Native to Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, the Brazilian pepper tree was introduced to Florida in the 1800s as an ornamental—admired for its festive appeal and nicknamed “Florida holly” or “Christmasberry.” Gardening Solutionstsusinvasives.orgNational Park ServiceWikipedia

  • Appearance
    These evergreens form dense thickets, often reaching 15 to 30 feet tall (occasionally up to 40 feet). They feature compound, aromatic leaves (with 3–13 toothed leaflets), white/cream flower clusters in late summer to fall, and glossy berries that turn bright red by winter. FWCPlant DirectorySolutions For Your LifeCity of Punta Gorda

Why Are They a Problem in Florida?

Brazilian pepper tree is considered one of the most aggressive invasive species in Florida:

Managing Brazilian Pepper Trees

1. Prevention

2. Mechanical Removal

3. Herbicide Treatments

4. Biological Control

5. After Management

  • Replant with native alternatives like varnish leaf (Dodonaea viscosa), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), or seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera). Everglades CISMA

  • Report wild occurrences using platforms like IveGot1.org or other local resources. Everglades CISMA

Real-World Experiences

From a Reddit user in Tampa Bay:

“Brazilian Pepper is all over the place in the Tampa Bay area… places like vacant lots… will always have Brazilian Pepper return unless it's removed annually.” Reddit

Another shared:

“I have sap burns everywhere along my wrists where I wasn't covered up.”
“About a day or so later, I started to really notice it.”
—True testaments to how even minor contact can cause significant irritation. Reddit

Quick Summary Table

Topic

Key Point

Identification

Evergreen, compound leaves, white flowers, red berries

Spread Mechanisms

Seeds spread by animals and water; resprouts from roots

Impacts

Invades native habitats, causes health issues, illegal

Removal Methods

Mechanical + chemical + biocontrol recommended

Alternatives

Native shrubs; report invasions; avoid planting more

If you're dealing with Brazilian pepper trees on your property or local area, Trimworks Tree Service in Largo, Florida can help. Call us at 727-289-1633