Dwarf Chaparral Broom, Coyotebrush, Chaparral Broom
Baccharis pilularis

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Early winter, Late fall, Mid fall. Form: Prostrate, Spreading or horizontal.

Baccharis pilularis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Coastal sand dunes and hills.

South-western N. America - California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

An infusion of the plant has been used as a general remedy or panacea.

Other

Rating: 3

An effective ground-cover plant for sunny banks. The plant has an extensive root system and is very useful for stabilizing sand dunes etc.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Ground cover, Rock garden. Succeeds in almost any soil, from heavy clays to pure sands, if it is growing in a sunny position. Very tolerant of poor dry soils. Tolerates maritime exposure. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it requires an almost frost-free climate and tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Plants respond well to trimming. 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, 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: Ground Cover;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-10

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

B. consanguinea.