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Brazilian Pepper

 
brazilian-pepper brazilian-pepper-1

Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius)

 

Prohibited Invasive Plant Species

 

Non-native invasive plants were brought into Florida through a variety of methods. Not all non-native plants are as harmful to the ecosystems of Florida as others. Those that begin to cause widespread ecological damage to the native plant and animal communities are called invasive. These non-native invasive plants grow quickly, produce abundant seeds, have no natural enemies, flourish in a wide range of soil conditions, and prevent native species from growing.

For new construction, Article 14. C. of the County's (Unified Land Development Code) ULDC requires the removal invasive non-native plant species found in Appendix 6 and Appendix 7 prior to receipt of a Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.). Planting or installation of these plant species is prohibited. This Code was adopted in April, 1986, so those properties constructed after that date must maintain their property free and clear of these invasive plants. This requirement is for the unincorporated areas (i.e. not in a city) of Palm Beach County. Please contact your local municipal office to inquire about invasive non-native plant regulations in your municipality.

By the dates listed below, Article 14. D. ULDC requires the removal of the nine invasive non-native plant species listed in Appendix 6 on properties within 500 feet from a designated natural area Countywide (unincorporated and municipalities). For those properties outside of a 500 foot buffer area, only Old World Climbing Fern and Air Potato vines must be removed from all properties.

Plant Name Must Remove/Eradicate by: Example of a 500-foot Buffer Area
Climbing Ferns Jan. 1, 2004 seacrest scrub poster
Air Potato Jan. 1, 2004
Melaleuca, Punk Tree Jan. 1, 2006
Brazilian Pepper Jan. 1, 2008
Carrotwood Jan. 1, 2008
Earleaf Acacia Jan. 1, 2010
Schefflera Jan. 1, 2010
Australian Pine Jan. 1, 2012
Kudzu Jan. 1, 2012

Click here to learn more about the Invasive Vine Strike Force that the County has developed to assist homeowners countywide with the removal of old-world climbing fern and air potato vines!

 

What's New

 
  • Call for Presentations for FLERA's 2012 Conference.
  • See the latest edition of Environmental Times, Spring 2012 ![PDF]
  • The numbers are in! See what ERM Volunteers Accomplished in 2011.[PDF]
  • ERM launches "Explore a County Natural Area" at your local library.
  • Memorial Benches can now be donated for placement in PBC Natural Areas.[PDF]
  • Online Ibis Isle Restoration Project Slide Show with Audio [PDF/5 MB/5 minutes]
  • Stay up to date with the Department's Monthly Status Reports. [PDF]