Eastern Baccharis

Eastern Baccharis (Baccharis halimifolia)

Eastern Baccharis (Baccharis halimifolia), also known as Groundsel Tree or Saltbush, is a tough, native deciduous shrub valued for its adaptability, salt tolerance, and late-season pollinator appeal. Commonly found along the Eastern Seaboard, this resilient plant thrives in tough conditions�from coastal dunes to roadside ditches�making it an excellent choice for erosion control, restoration projects, and wildlife habitats. In fall, its fluffy, silvery seed heads offer a cloud-like display just as many other plants fade.

Distinctive Features

Growing 6 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide, Eastern Baccharis forms an upright, bushy mass with oval, coarsely toothed green leaves. Its real show begins in late summer to early fall when female plants develop striking white to silver pappus seed tufts that catch the light and add movement to the landscape. Male plants bear small, inconspicuous flowers. Both attract bees and butterflies, providing an important late-season nectar source. Its rugged nature and ability to grow in poor soils make it a standout in challenging sites.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best flowering and form in full sun.
• Soil: Tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils; thrives in well-drained locations and can handle salt spray.
• Water: Drought tolerant once established, but also withstands periodic flooding.
• Humidity: Naturally adapted to humid coastal and inland environments.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�10; cold hardy and extremely adaptable across much of the U.S.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Striking seed heads and upright form add texture and contrast to native or meadow gardens.
• Coastal Landscapes: Naturally salt-tolerant, making it ideal for dunes, beach houses, and bayside plantings.
• Restoration and Naturalization: Excellent for reestablishing disturbed areas and supporting biodiversity.
• Hedgerows and Screens: Dense growth provides year-round cover for birds and small wildlife.
• Pollinator Gardens: Provides critical nectar late in the season for bees and butterflies.

Low Maintenance Care

Eastern Baccharis is among the easiest native shrubs to maintain. It thrives in neglected areas, handles extremes of wet and dry, and requires little intervention once established.

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment, but reduce frequency once roots are established.
• Pruning: Tolerates heavy pruning; cut back in late winter to maintain size or encourage bushier growth.
• Fertilizing: No fertilization needed in most soils; avoid overly rich soils that reduce structural strength.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to pests, deer, and most common plant diseases.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy in most climates; no special winter protection needed.

Why Choose Eastern Baccharis?

Eastern Baccharis (Baccharis halimifolia) brings durability, wildlife value, and visual interest to even the most difficult planting sites. Whether you're restoring a coastal ecosystem or adding movement and texture to a native landscape, this plant delivers performance with minimal input.

• Fluffy Silver Seed Heads: Female plants offer showy fall and winter interest.
• Highly Salt-Tolerant: Excellent for coastal and roadsides where few plants thrive.
• Late Season Pollinator Magnet: Supports bees and butterflies after most plants have faded.
• Adaptable and Tough: Thrives in poor soils, wet or dry conditions, and extreme sites.
• Supports Biodiversity: Offers cover, nesting, and nectar for wildlife in native plantings.

For coastal resilience, native beauty, and late-season interest, Eastern Baccharis is a proven performer in both designed and wild landscapes.