Baccharis halmifolia (Salt Bush, Groundsel Bush, Eastern False Willow)

The Basics

Size:  3’x1o’ high and wide, depending on conditions.  Usually more upright that wide.
Soil:  Average to wet.  Salt tolerant.  Tolerates Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Wet Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Zones:  5 to 10
Sunlight:  Full to part sun.  More flowering in more sun.
This plant is dioecious: Male and female plants are separate.  Females set fluffy white seed heads.

Range

Photos

“Baccharis halimifolia plant female NC3” (CC BY 2.0) by Macleay Grass Man

Close-up of the fun, fluffy ‘flowers’ of Baccharis. “Groundselbush” (CC BY 2.0) by treegrow

Ecosystem Function

Supports many birds with it seed, and butterflies and bees with nectar.  Provides cover for birds.

Appearance and Use in Landscape

Use in hedgerow or back of border.  Its fluffy white seed heads (on female plants) are beautiful in late summer-fall.  Will spread by seed.  Easy to grow and useful for erosion control and planting in disturbed areas.  Good for pond edges, retention basins, rain gardens.