Eastern Baccharis
Baccharis halimifolia

The Eastern baccharis is a shrub native to the Chesapeake region, found in coastal landscapes and blooms in late fall. 

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Cream colored flowers bloom on a shrub and are visited by four monarch butterflies.
The Eastern baccharis is a dense shrub that blooms white or cream colored flowers in the late fall and early winter around the Chesapeake region. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

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Appearance

The Eastern baccharis is a tall shrub with dense grayish-green leaves that are alternately arranged. In the fall and winter, the plant blooms with small, dense white or cream-colored flowers that often resemble cotton. 

Reproduction and life cycle

Seedling establishment is the main way that the Eastern baccharis reproduce. When the plant blooms, it produces seeds that are then dispersed by the wind. These seeds can stay viable for up to two years, but once they sprout, they need another two years before they are able to reproduce. The Eastern baccharis can also regrow from its base after being cut. 

Did you know?

  • The Eastern baccharis is a dioecious plant, meaning there are separate male and female plants.
  • The Eastern baccharis has a waxy finish that makes it highly resistant to salt spray and flooding, making it a great plant for coastal landscapes.
  • The leaves of the Eastern baccharis are poisonous to livestock, but have no effect on humans. 

Sources and additional information

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