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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

▲▼ 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

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Posted 19 January 2019