Peruvian peppertree
(Schinus molle)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Schinus molle is a perennial tree that can grow from 30-40 ft. (9.1-12.2 m) tall.
Foliage
Leaves are pinnately compound, linear, 6-12 in. (15.2-30.5 cm) long with 2.5 in. (6.4 cm) long, sessile, lanceolate to linear, entire leaflets.
Flowers
Flowers are found on hanging panicles that can grow 11.8 in. (30 cm) long. Flowers are off white to yellow in color and less than 0.12 in. (3 mm) across.
Fruit
Fruits are round, 0.2-0.3 in. (5-8 mm) in diameter, and pink to reddish turning black when mature with a strong pepper scent when crushed.
Ecological Threat
Schinus molle can be found along slopes, washes, and in abandoned fields. It is native to South America in Argentina and Peru.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- California Invasive Plant Council
- John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995.
- Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
- Reichard, Sarah. 1994. Assessing the potential of invasiveness in woody plants introduced in North America. University of Washington Ph.D. dissertation.
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Rosanae |
| Order: Sapindales |
| Family: Anacardiaceae |
| Subfamily: Anacardioideae |
| Genus: Schinus |
| Schinus molle |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.