Eastern Baccharis

Eastern Baccharis, Groundsel Tree, Salt Marsh Elder, Sea Myrtle

Baccharis halimifolia L.

Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

▲ ▼ mature plants (above in wild, below in landscape)

▲ ▼ mature stems and leaves, showing unlobed leaves

▲ early-growth leaves, showing teeth on margins

▲ stem and bark

Baccharis halimifolia L., Eastern Baccharis, Groundsel Tree: (Bayer Code: BACHA; US Code BAHA)

Native perennial shrub with thin, much-branched canopy; can grow up to 8 or 9 feet tall, with 2/3 to equal width
Leaves are oval, with toothed margins on early growth; leaves become more oval to lanceolate, with smooth margins on more mature growth
Mature leaves semi-evergreen to evergreen
Flowers are in branched clusters at tips of stems; flower itself is not showy, but persistent pappus (hairs) from retained, mature seed on female plants gives upper portions of plants a whitish, silvery appearance
Found in wetter soils, wetland margins in native habitat
Is sold as native landscape plant, but can escape cultivation due to abundant seed production, becoming weedy in some areas
More common in southern and eastern states

(Posted January 19, 2019)