Baccharis halimifolia
Groundsel-bush
General
Erect, semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub. Often grows in flooded fresh and brackish tidal marshes, estuaries, back dunes, and open woods along the sea coast. Its cottony flowers are a beautiful sight during fall and provide nectar for many insect species. When the seed is developing in New England in October the plant has a wonderful appearance that can best be described as being covered with a light dusting of snow. A very hardy shrub that can withstand a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions. Resistant to most diseases. Seeds are toxic to humans, and leaves are toxic to livestock.
Plant Description
Has unusual bluish/silver leaves, which are slightly resinous and covered in small bumps. Has conspicuous, cottony flowers. Leaves are elliptical, almost occasionally diamond shaped, with irregular edges, sometimes entire edges and sometimes bluntly toothed. The flowers and fruit are fluffy white, silky tufts that grow in dense clusters and cover the plant.
Height (ft)
5-12'
Spread (ft)
5-10
Soil moisture
Dry to Wet
Soil types
Coarse to Medium textured mineral soils and/or soils with high organic content
Wetland indicator
FACW
Shade tolerance
Moderate
Bloom color
White
Bloom period
Late Summer to Fall
Fall conspicuous
Yes
Anaerobic tolerance
High
Drought tolerance
Moderate
Salinity tolerance
High
Self-Pollinating?
No
Range
Eastern coast of the United States, from Massachusetts to Florida, and around the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River Delta.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to USDA NRCS New Jersey State Office & Cape May Plant Materials Center, this species is being used in bioengineering research for its ability to root from dormant, unrooted cuttings. This species is salinity tolerant and great for stabilizing tidal shorelines.