Eastern Baccharis / Groundsel Tree
Original price
$39.00
-
Original price
$39.00
Original price
$39.00
$39.00
-
$39.00
Current price
$39.00
Eastern Baccharis (Baccharis halimifolia)
Eastern Baccharis thrives in open, disturbed sites such as salt marsh edges, coastal dunes, back dunes, wet thickets, roadsides, ditches, and vacant fields. It excels in coastal environments due to high salt, wind, and drought tolerance but adapts well inland to rain gardens, erosion control areas, and naturalized plantings. It prefers moist to wet conditions but handles occasional dry spells once established. Full sun promotes the densest growth and best flowering, though it tolerates partial shade. It grows in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, clay, rocky, compacted, infertile, or frequently flooded sites, with pH from acid to neutral.Average Height and Diameter
This deciduous (or semi-evergreen in mild climates) multi-stemmed shrub typically reaches 5–12 feet tall with a spread of 4–10 feet. Mature specimens form a rounded, densely branched habit.Growth Rate
It is a fast to rapid grower, often reaching 3+ feet in 2–3 years from seedling or container plant. It can quickly colonize open areas and may become aggressive or weedy in favorable conditions.Sun Requirements
Full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight) is ideal for optimal form, flowering, and vigor. It accepts partial shade (2–6 hours) but may become leggier.Cold Hardiness
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. It tolerates temperatures down to about -15°F to -10°F once established and handles heat, humidity, and coastal exposure well.Water Requirements
Medium to high; it prefers consistently moist to wet soils and tolerates occasional flooding or brackish water. Once established, it shows good drought tolerance but performs best with supplemental water during prolonged dry periods. Avoid letting soil dry out completely in the first 1–2 years.Detailed Fertilizing Guide
Eastern Baccharis is low-maintenance and thrives in nutrient-poor soils without regular feeding. For faster growth or in very poor soils, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring. Use sparingly—over-fertilizing can encourage weak, leggy growth. Incorporate compost at planting for organic matter. Avoid fertilizing during drought or extreme heat. Soil testing is recommended before any amendments.Planting Guide
Plant container-grown specimens (1–2 years old) in spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Amend heavy clay with sand or organic matter for better drainage if needed, though the plant adapts to most conditions. Space plants 4–7 feet apart for hedges or mass plantings. Water deeply after planting and maintain even moisture for the first season. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. It establishes easily from seed in full light but container plants are more reliable. Prune as needed to control shape or remove dead wood; it tolerates heavy pruning. Note: Female plants produce showy cottony seeds and can self-seed readily.USDA Zone
5a–10 (best performance often in 6–9). It is native to the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of the eastern and southern United States.This resilient native shrub is excellent for wildlife (supporting bees, butterflies, and birds), coastal stabilization, and low-care landscapes, though its weedy potential makes it best suited for naturalized or restoration settings rather than formal gardens.
- Botanical Name: Baccharis halimifolia (family Asteraceae)
- Common Names: Eastern Baccharis, Groundsel Bush/Tree, Saltbush, Sea Myrtle, Silverling, High-tide Bush, Consumptionweed, Salt Marsh Elder, Coyote Bush
Eastern Baccharis thrives in open, disturbed sites such as salt marsh edges, coastal dunes, back dunes, wet thickets, roadsides, ditches, and vacant fields. It excels in coastal environments due to high salt, wind, and drought tolerance but adapts well inland to rain gardens, erosion control areas, and naturalized plantings. It prefers moist to wet conditions but handles occasional dry spells once established. Full sun promotes the densest growth and best flowering, though it tolerates partial shade. It grows in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, clay, rocky, compacted, infertile, or frequently flooded sites, with pH from acid to neutral.Average Height and Diameter
This deciduous (or semi-evergreen in mild climates) multi-stemmed shrub typically reaches 5–12 feet tall with a spread of 4–10 feet. Mature specimens form a rounded, densely branched habit.Growth Rate
It is a fast to rapid grower, often reaching 3+ feet in 2–3 years from seedling or container plant. It can quickly colonize open areas and may become aggressive or weedy in favorable conditions.Sun Requirements
Full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight) is ideal for optimal form, flowering, and vigor. It accepts partial shade (2–6 hours) but may become leggier.Cold Hardiness
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–10. It tolerates temperatures down to about -15°F to -10°F once established and handles heat, humidity, and coastal exposure well.Water Requirements
Medium to high; it prefers consistently moist to wet soils and tolerates occasional flooding or brackish water. Once established, it shows good drought tolerance but performs best with supplemental water during prolonged dry periods. Avoid letting soil dry out completely in the first 1–2 years.Detailed Fertilizing Guide
Eastern Baccharis is low-maintenance and thrives in nutrient-poor soils without regular feeding. For faster growth or in very poor soils, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring. Use sparingly—over-fertilizing can encourage weak, leggy growth. Incorporate compost at planting for organic matter. Avoid fertilizing during drought or extreme heat. Soil testing is recommended before any amendments.Planting Guide
Plant container-grown specimens (1–2 years old) in spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Amend heavy clay with sand or organic matter for better drainage if needed, though the plant adapts to most conditions. Space plants 4–7 feet apart for hedges or mass plantings. Water deeply after planting and maintain even moisture for the first season. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. It establishes easily from seed in full light but container plants are more reliable. Prune as needed to control shape or remove dead wood; it tolerates heavy pruning. Note: Female plants produce showy cottony seeds and can self-seed readily.USDA Zone
5a–10 (best performance often in 6–9). It is native to the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of the eastern and southern United States.This resilient native shrub is excellent for wildlife (supporting bees, butterflies, and birds), coastal stabilization, and low-care landscapes, though its weedy potential makes it best suited for naturalized or restoration settings rather than formal gardens.