Baccharis halimifolia (Bush Groundsel, Eastern baccharis, High Tide Bush, Sea Myrtle, Salt Bush)

Michael's Opinion

Baccharis halimifolia is a deciduous shrub that is mostly found along the coast of Georgia, but has a wide range in its hardiness zone, so it is adaptable to many climates. Baccharis halimifola was first described and named by Carl Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum, published in 1753. This shrub can grow quiet tall, and has flowers much like the dandelion in late September. In my opinion, the shrub can be visually appealing in late autumn. Baccharis halimifolia is a perennial and can grow up to 2.1 m in a single season. The largest Baccharis hamiloflia is 7 m tall, and can be found in Lincoln Georgia. This species is considered to be invasive in Australia because of its ability to quickly cover a large area in a short period of time. The most appealing part of this shrub is its cottony-like fruits (caused by the pappus) that persist in its flowering period. It is native to north and central America, as well as Mexico. Baccharis halimifolia can be a very appealing plant in autumn because of the way it blooms.

Botanical Information

FamilyAsteraceae
GenusBaccharis
Specieshalimifolia
CategoryPerennials
ReferencesDirr, M. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses (6th ed.). Champaign, Ill.: Stipes Pub. Silberhorn, G. (1999). Common plants of the mid-Atlantic coast: A field guide (Rev. ed.). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
OriginBaccharis halimifolia is native to north, central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. It was recently introduced to Asia and Europe.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		This shrub does not have any significant use; it is considered to be a weed in almost every country it inhabits. It can be harmful to livestock, and its seeds can be poisonous if eaten.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4a - 8b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5a - 9b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)30 - (-20)
Temperature (°F)-4 - 84
Height2 - 4 m
Spread1 - 2 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodAugust, September

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionBaccharis halimifolia is a fast growing shrub that grows in marshy or acidic areas, and is commonly found along the coast. It grows to be 4 m tall and 2 m wide. It also has an unusual flowering technique that resembles a dandelion. Its waxy leaves have a silver to grey underside. The bark on Baccharis halimifolia plant becomes woody with age.
ID CharacteristicThe petiole on the Baccharis halimifolia has a grey to green colour. The leaves can also be grey. When the plant is flowering, it has silk-like hairs that come out of its fruit, much like a dandelion. Baccharis halimifolia usually has one main trunk that holds randomly alternating branches, covered by ridge-like bark.
ShapeAn upright bushy shrub with branched stems that come off of a main shoot, and become woody with age.
LandscapeIt is considered an invasive species, so it is not frequently used when planning a landscape. It is often found in marshy areas, but is able to live comfortably in dry climates. B. halimifolia does well in full sun as well as partially shaded areas.
PropagationThe "pappus" is a group of hairs that enable the seed to float in the wind, travelling up to 140 meters away from the parent plant. This plant also has both male and female flowers on separate plants. Male plants are generally smaller, and the flower is more yellow, while the females flower is more white.
CultivationThis plant prefers full sun, yet can tolerate partial shade. However, it thrives best in a sandy loam, acidic soils or in a constantly wet area when fully established. It is also highly drought and salt-tolerant, and tolerates soils with low nutritional value.
Pests.
HabitatBaccharis halimifolia is found in acidic marshy areas or along coastlines. It is also thrives in dry low water environments such as open fields.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is plated and ridged, but only becomes woody when the plant is mature.
Leaf DescriptionObovate to oblong, 2.5 - 7.5 cm long, 1.5 cm wide. Leaves are alternate, simple and coarsely toothed. The upper leaf surface is dark-green with both surfaces resinous-dotted with a bright grey to green periole.
Flower DescriptionThe female plant bears cotton fruits that survive into late autumn, it is a self-seeder with separate male and female plants that flower in late autumn.
Fruit DescriptionFruits (cypselae or achenes) are one-seeded, cylindrical, 1.3 - 1.8 mm long, and topped by the “pappus" which elongates between 10 - 12 mm.
Colour DescriptionFoliage keeps a constant green/silver colour throughout the autumn season. It starts off herbaceous, and it matures to a brown ridged-like bark. Fruit is small, white, oval-shaped, and stays in a hard dry shell.
Texture DescriptionPlant is smooth and herbaceous, but becomes coarse and woody with a rough bark as it ages. Mature stems feel woody, and the leaves have a waxy texture on both sides.

Photographs