Baccharis halimifolia Common Names: Groundsel Tree, Eastern Baccharis, Salt Bush, Sea Myrtle, Comsumptionweed, Salt Marsh Elder, and Groundsel Bush. A fast-growing, medium to large, deciduous shrub native to the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of the eastern and southern United States. It typically grows in exposed, sandy areas, salt marshes, roadsides, ditches, and other open, disturbed sites. Mature specimens take on a highly branched, rounded to upright form and can reach up to 10' tall (occasionally to 15' or more) with an equal spread. Some single-trunked individuals may take on the growth habit of a small tree. White to green flowers occur in small, dense, terminal clusters. Probably the most significant landscape feature is the silvery, plume-like achenes which appear in the fall on female plants resembling silvery paintbrushes. The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other insect pollinators. The densely branched habit of this plant provides nesting habitat and cover for birds and other animals. Easily grown in evenly moist to wet, sandy to loamy, well-draining soils in part shade. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions including poor, shallow, rocky, clayey, dry or wet soils, brackish waters and salt-spray. Semi-evergreen, and can be used as erosion control. Nectar Source: Bees, Butterflies, Moths, Insects Seed Food Source: Birds Height: 6'-12'Spread: 4'-8'Bloom: August-OctoberLight: Part ShadeWater: Medium-HighZone: 5-10Origin: Texas, North America, South America
