Bush Groundsel, Eastern baccharis, High Tide Bush, Sea Myrtle, Salt Bush
Baccharis halimifolia
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late fall, Mid fall. Form: Upright or erect, Vase.
Baccharis halimifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft) by 3.5 m (11ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 3.5
Where it is found
Open woods, thickets and borders of marshes near the coast, often in saline soils.
Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Florida and Texas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is used as a palliative and demulcent in consumption and cough.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Other
Rating: 3
A good fast-growing hedge for exposed maritime conditions. It retains its leaves into the new year but is rather bare in late winter. Plants have an extensive root system and can be grown on sand or thin coastal soils in order to bind the soil. Resinous secretions on the leaves and wood make this a useful fuel. It is a fairly small plant though and would not be a very productive source.
Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Seashore. Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained soil, from heavy clays to pure sands. Tolerates saline conditions and dry soils. A useful shrub for coastal situations, resisting maritime exposure. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. A fast-growing plant, it is very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back to the base if required. The presence of this plant growing wild was supposed to indicate areas where oil might be found. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Special Features:North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Wetlands plant, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - no pre-treatment is required. Surface sow in pots a cold frame in the spring, do not let the compost dry out. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very easy. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, November in a frame. Easy.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The plant is potentially toxic to livestock.