Baccharis sarothroides
Baccharis sarothroides
An evergreen shrub characterized by its broom-like appearance with numerous slender, green, upright branches and small, widely spaced, serrated green leaves.
- Light
- Full sun, typically 6 or more hours of direct light per day.
- Water
- Low; very drought-tolerant but benefits from monthly deep watering in summer. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
- Growth
- Perennial woody shrub; grows 3 to 10 feet tall and wide; moderate to fast growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun and well-draining soil. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance other than occasional pruning to maintain shape.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, typically 6 or more hours of direct light per day.
Watering
Low; very drought-tolerant but benefits from monthly deep watering in summer. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
Soil
Well-drained soils; adaptable to alkaline, sandy, or rocky soils with a pH of 6.0 to 8.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 8-11
Growth habit
Perennial woody shrub; grows 3 to 10 feet tall and wide; moderate to fast growth rate.
Bloom season
Late summer to autumn; dioecious, producing yellowish flowers followed by fluffy white seed heads on female plants.
Propagation
Typically propagated by seeds or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn.
Common pests & issues
Relatively pest-free but can be susceptible to scale insects or root rot if soil drainage is poor.
Similar species
Baccharis pilularis (Coyote Brush), which has denser, more rounded leaves, and Baccharis salicifolia (Mulefat), which has longer, willow-like leaves.