Care of the shrub Baccharis halimifolia or Groundseltree |
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The genus Baccharis, family Asteraceae, comprises 400 species of evergreen shrubs native to the American continent. Some species are: Baccharis halimifolia, Baccharis linearis, Baccharis latifolia, Baccharis salicifolia, Baccharis spicata. Common names: Groundseltree, Sea myrtle, Consumptionweed, Eastern Baccharis, Groundsel Tree, Groundsel Bush, Salt Marsh Elder, Salt Bush, Florida Groundsel Bush, Coyote Bush, Silvering. This species is native to Nova Scotia, the eastern and southern United States, eastern Mexico, the Bahamas, and Cuba. They are compact dioecious shrubs (female plants and male plants) that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. The elliptical leaves are small (5 cm/1.96" long) and grayish green in color; then they turn purple and finally brown. They produce male and female flowers on different plants; female plants have "feathery" fruits. They bloom in summer. They are used to form hedges and barriers against salinity or wind; they are ideal for coastal gardens. They are used to combat respiratory ailments. In Spain it is listed as an invasive species and its sale is prohibited. It is a very rustic plant that grows in full sun or semi-shade exposures; can resist frost. They can be grown in any soil that is not acidic, even in poor, sandy or poorly drained soils. Plant in its final location in spring at a distance of 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) between specimens. Water regularly, bearing in mind that they resist drought and waterlogging well. Fertilize with manure in the fall. Prune intensively after the flowering season. It's a fast growing shrub and very resistant to pests and diseases. They propagate easily by cuttings in spring or summer or from seeds sown in spring (germinate in one or two weeks). |
Images of the shrub Baccharis halimifolia or Groundseltree |
 Baccharis halimifolia  Baccharis halimifolia |