Baccharis halimifolia

Common Names

Eastern Baccharis, Groundsel Tree, Groundsel Bush, Salt Bush, Sea Myrtle, Groundsel, Silverling, Consumption Weed, Salt Marsh Elder

Summary

Baccharis halimifolia, commonly Eastern baccharis or Groundsel Tree, is a dioecious deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, the Caribbean, and parts of northeastern Mexico. It typically grows as a multi-stem plant up to about 10 feet tall, with dark green, coarse-textured leaves and white flowers that bloom in late summer; female plants bear silvery-pale fruits with a long pappus that enables wind dispersal. In cultivation it tolerates full sun to partial shade and a wide range of soils, including saline and wet sites, and is highly salt-tolerant with drought and flood tolerance; it is commonly used for erosion control, coastal plantings, hedges, and restoration, and provides nectar for bees and butterflies along with seeds for birds. Because it self-seeds readily and can become invasive in some regions, management may involve mowing or other control, and propagation is by seed or cuttings in summer; it is hardy to USDA zones 5–10.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

5-12 feet

Spread

4-8 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun to partial shade, shade-tolerant and can persist under a pine canopy.

Soil Type

Loam or sandy soils that are well-drained and moist to wet

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

5.5-7.8

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Late Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Dark Green, Gray-green

Fall Foliage Color

Non-showy fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast, about 30–40 cm per year.

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, and birds are attracted.