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Weed Identification

Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Science Virginia Cooperative Extension

eastern baccharis

Family

Asteraceae

Scientific Name

Baccharis halimifolia
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Other Common Names:

saltmyrtle
seamyrtle
silverling
groundsel tree

Synonyms (former Scientific Names):

Baccharis halimifolia L. var. angustior DC.

Leaves

Leaves are mostly coarsely toothed above the middle of the leaf, and the uppermost leaves have smooth margins; they are alternately arranged.

Identifying Characteristics

Eastern baccharis is a deciduous shrub, up to 10 feet tall; with simple, thick egg-shaped leaves (up to 2.5 long). It is a U.S. native.Baccharis is often confused with high-tide bush (Iva frutescens) which has opposite, regularly toothed leaves and bare, gray stems in the winter.

Flower Seed Head

Baccharis has small heads of white flowers in stalked clusters that form terminal leafy infloresences. The fertile heads are very showy and cottonlike. Although deciduous, the naked stems remain slightly green throughout the winter.

Where Found

Eastern baccharis grows naturally in the upper fringes of irregularly flooded tidal fresh and brackish marshes, back dunes and inland open woods, vacant fields, and desert habitats from Massachusetts to Florida, Arkansas, and Texas.

Life Cycle

perennial

Plant Type

Shrub