Baccharis Brachyphylla
Contents
Description
Baccharis Brachyphylla, commonly known as short-leaved Baccharis, is a small evergreen shrub native to the western part of North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is commonly found in the coastal regions of California and Baja California. The plant is characterized by its woody stem, which can grow up to 6 feet tall, and its small, pale green leaves that have a leathery texture. Baccharis Brachyphylla produces tiny white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, which attract bees and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Baccharis |
Appearance
Baccharis Brachyphylla has a distinctive appearance, with its small, pale green leaves and woody stems. The leaves are about 1 inch long and 0.2 inches wide, with a leathery texture and a slightly serrated edge. The plant produces tiny white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, which are about 0.1 inches wide and are arranged in clusters at the tips of the stems. Baccharis Brachyphylla can grow up to 6 feet tall, but it is usually smaller, with a compact and rounded shape.
Care Guide
Baccharis Brachyphylla is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this shrub:
Water: Baccharis Brachyphylla is drought-tolerant and does not need much water. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.
Fertilization: Baccharis Brachyphylla does not need much fertilizer. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if you want to encourage growth.
Soil: Baccharis Brachyphylla prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soil.
Sunlight: Baccharis Brachyphylla prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. If the plant is in a shady area, it may become leggy and less compact.
Hardiness Zones: Baccharis Brachyphylla is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Baccharis Brachyphylla is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
Spider Mites: Spider mites can infest Baccharis Brachyphylla and cause yellowing and speckling of the leaves. You can control spider mites by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.
Root Rot: Baccharis Brachyphylla is susceptible to root rot if it is planted in poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Baccharis Brachyphylla is native to the coastal regions of California and Baja California. It grows in sandy and rocky soil in coastal scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats. Baccharis Brachyphylla is adapted to the dry Mediterranean climate of California and is drought-tolerant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Baccharis Brachyphylla be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Baccharis Brachyphylla can be grown in a container. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots, and use well-draining soil.
Q: Can Baccharis Brachyphylla be pruned?
A: Yes, Baccharis Brachyphylla can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: Does Baccharis Brachyphylla attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Baccharis Brachyphylla produces tiny white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, which attract bees and other pollinators.
Q: Is Baccharis Brachyphylla deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Baccharis Brachyphylla is deer-resistant.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Baccharis Brachyphylla:
- Baccharis Pilularis
- Baccharis Salicifolia
- Baccharis Vanessae
References
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Baccharis+brachyphylla
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/bacbra/all.html
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=BAJA2
