Schinus molle

Schinus molle_Peruvian peppertree_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: Peruvian pepper tree; California pepper tree

Schinus molle (Peruvian peppertree) is an aromatic, evergreen shrub or tree (family Anacardiaceae) found in central and southern California. Along with Brazilian peppertree (S. terebinthifolius), Peruvian peppertree has escaped cultivation to become invasive.

Cal-IPC Rating: Limited?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Schinus molle Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Schinus molle_flowers_RonVanderhoff
    Schinus molle (Peruvian pepper tree) flowers. Photo: Ron Vanderhoff
    Schinus molle_leaf and fruits_copyright2009_NealKramer
    Schinus molle (Peruvian pepper tree) leaf and fruits. Photo: © 2009 Neal Kramer