Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert and Drew C. McLean
2
Introduction
Saltbush is native to coastal and interior wetlands and is most often seen invading this type of landscape. It is often seen in its native habitat with wax myrtle in wet sites. The yellow and white flowers bring this rarely-noticed plant into view in the fall landscape. The 1 to 3-inch-long leaves and shrubby habit allow it to blend into the background in most landscapes. Seeds are poisonous if they are eaten.
Figure 1. Full Form—Baccharis halimifolia: Saltbush. Credit: UF/IFAS
General Information
Scientific name: Baccharis halimifolia
Pronunciation: BACK-uh-riss hal-lim-if-FOLE-ee-uh
Common name(s): Saltbush, groundsel bush, sea myrtle
Family: Asteraceae
Plant type: Shrub
USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 10 (Figure 2)
Planting month for zone 7: year round
Planting month for zone 8: year round
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year round
Origin: Native to Massachusetts, south to Florida, and west to Texas and northern Mexico
UF/IFAS Invasive Assessment Status: Native
Uses: Hedge; specimen; border; mass planting; small parking lot islands (< 100 square feet in size); medium-sized parking lot islands (100-200 square feet in size); large parking lot islands (> 200 square feet in size)
Figure 2. Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Description
Height: 8 to 12 feet
Spread: 6 to 12 feet
Plant habit: Vase shape; round
Plant density: Moderate
Growth rate: Moderate
Texture: Fine
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: Alternate
Leaf type: Simple
Leaf margin: Dentate
Leaf shape: Ovate to obovate
Leaf venation: None, or difficult to see
Leaf type and persistence: Deciduous
Leaf blade length: 1 to 3 inches
Leaf color: Dark to medium gray green on top, pale green to almost silvery underneath
Winter interest: plant has winter interest due to unusual form, nice persistent fruits, showy winter trunk, or winter flowers
Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding
Invasive potential: native plant that often reproduces into nearby landscapes
Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant
Use and Management
Saltbush is rarely planted by designers and horticulturists, perhaps because it is too 'common' in native stands. A useful shrub or small tree for reclaiming wet sites, saltbush could be used more frequently near retention basins and drainage ditches. It has a good tolerance to brackish water. It is well suited for planting in wet sites throughout the state. With proper care to remove recurring dead wood, nice small-tree specimens can be created. These can become nice additions to many landscape. They come into flower and are attractive at a time when few other small trees and shrubs are flowering.
Pests and Diseases
No serious pests or diseases appear to affect this plant.
Reference
Koeser, A.K., Friedman, M.H., Hasing, G., Finley, H., Schelb, J. 2017. Trees: South Florida and the Keys. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.