Baccharis halimifolia is a tough adaptable native shrub prized for its fluffy white seed heads and exceptional tolerance to salt, wind, drought, and poor soils. This deciduous plant forms dense thickets that provide important cover and nesting habitat for birds while also helping stabilize soil along coastlines and wetland edges. It produces inconspicuous flowers followed by attractive cottony seeds in late summer to fall often catching light and movement in the landscape.
Height & Spread: 60 - 144 in x 60 - 120 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Tolerant of a wide range of soils including sandy, clay, and saline conditions
Watering Needs: Low once established; tolerates drought and seasonal flooding
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed due to bitter foliage
Native Status
Baccharis halimifolia is native to coastal and wetland regions of eastern North America, particularly from Nova Scotia to Florida and westward to Texas. It plays a significant role in stabilizing coastal ecosystems.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts honeybees and native bees during late season bloom when few other nectar sources are available.
Butterflies
- Visited by migrating Monarchs and other butterflies seeking nectar rich blooms in late summer.
Birds
- Dense branching structure provides nesting sites for sparrows and warblers; seeds eaten by finches and other small songbirds.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports predatory wasps and syrphid flies that help regulate pest insect populations late in the season.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 60 - 96 in apart to allow mature shrub spread and promote natural thicket formation for wildlife value.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for coastal restoration, wetland buffers, wildlife hedgerows, and as a tough native screen in difficult soils and exposed sites.
Companion Plants
- Solidago sempervirens (Seaside Goldenrod) - Bright yellow plumes enhance pollinator appeal alongside Baccharis in fall.
- Spartina alterniflora (Smooth Cordgrass) - Grassy texture contrasts the shrub form while anchoring shoreline soils effectively.
- Morella cerifera (Southern Bayberry) - Aromatic shrub with similar environmental preferences and wildlife value.
- Iva frutescens (Marsh Elder) - Coastal native shrub that thrives in wet saline soils and supports similar wetland wildlife.
- Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue' - Blue tinged switchgrass offers drought and salt tolerance with elegant upright form.