Baccharis pilularis

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Baccharis pilularis
Light:Full Sun
Moisture:Xeric Mesic
Hardiness:8
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Evergreen
Height:2'
Blooms:Mid Summer-Late Summer
Native to:
Medicinal Rating:
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Baccharis pilularis (common name: dwarf chaparral broom)

Propagation: Seed - no pre-treatment is required[1]. Surface sow in pots a cold frame in the spring, do not let the compost dry out. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 weeks[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very easy[K].

Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, November in a frame. Easy[K].

Cultivation: Succeeds in almost any soil, from heavy clays to pure sands, if it is growing in a sunny position[2][3]. Very tolerant of poor dry soils[3]. Tolerates maritime exposure[3].

This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it requires an almost frost-free climate and tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[3].

Plants respond well to trimming[3].

Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Range: South-western N. America - California.

Habitat: Coastal sand dunes and hills[3].

Medicinal: An infusion of the plant has been used as a general remedy or panacea[4].

Usage: An effective ground-cover plant for sunny banks[3].

The plant has an extensive root system and is very useful for stabilizing sand dunes etc[3].

Pollinators: Insects

Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Also Known As: B. consanguinea.

Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press, 1987.
  2. Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  4. Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.