Species library · Plants & herbs

Brazilian Pepper Tree: poisonous

Schinus terebinthifolia

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Brazilian Pepper Tree is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from January to December in the northern hemisphere. Found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Poisonous
Brazilian Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolia)

Photo: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · iNaturalist

When Brazilian Pepper Tree appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Brazilian Pepper Tree is usually found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges.

Look up Brazilian Pepper Tree in the app

In the Forage app, Brazilian Pepper Tree has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Brazilian Pepper Tree: common questions

Is Brazilian Pepper Tree poisonous?

Yes. Brazilian Pepper Tree is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Brazilian Pepper Tree appear?

Brazilian Pepper Tree usually appears from January to December in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Brazilian Pepper Tree grow?

Brazilian Pepper Tree is usually found in Disturbed ground, Woodland edges.

What can Brazilian Pepper Tree be confused with?

Toxic look-alikes: Poison ivy, Poison sumac, Peruvian peppertree. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by an expert.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits