Plant · GBIF taxon 2932944
Capsicum annuum
capsicum annuumAlso known as Bell Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Chili Pepper, Jalapeño
Wild ancestral forms of this nightshade rely on birds to disperse their seeds, as avian digestive systems remain unaffected by capsaicin. Small star-shaped white flowers yield shiny fruits ranging from mild bell peppers to scorching chiles. Domesticated thousands of years ago in Mesoamerica, it now flourishes in gardens and fields around the globe.
CultivatedFloweringTropical
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Aphids
- Hornworms
- Spider Mites
ThreatsFungal blights, insect pests, and severe frost
HabitatsTropical shrublands, agricultural fields, and gardens
Life span1 to 5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderSolanales
- FamilySolanaceae
- GenusCapsicum
- Speciescapsicum annuum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Foliage is toxic to pets if ingested, and capsaicin in fruits can cause skin and eye irritation.
- Why it is dangerous
- Foliage contains toxic solanine alkaloids harmful to pets, while fruits produce capsaicin that causes intense burning to skin and eyes.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for small white star-shaped flowers, smooth green stems, and dangling berry-like fruits that mature from green to red or yellow.
- What to do
- Wear protective gloves when harvesting hot varieties, keep leaves away from pets, and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
Responsible observation
- Handling Peppers: Wear gloves when harvesting or chopping hot varieties to protect eyes and skin from capsaicin.
- Cultivation: Provide full sun and well-draining soil while protecting young plants from cold frost.
- Pet Safety: Keep foliage and unripened stems away from curious pets.
Close Relative (c) Eric Bronson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Dhruvaraj S, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member Softeis / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Family Member (c) jamie-aa, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by jamie-aa · cc-by
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