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Description
Baccharis Linearis, commonly known as the slender baccharis or coyote brush, is a perennial evergreen shrub that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the western part of North America, including California, Arizona, and Oregon. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, with a dense and branching growth habit. The leaves are narrow and linear, measuring 1-3 inches long and 1/8-1/4 inch wide, and are grayish-green in color. The plant produces small flowers that are greenish-yellow and bloom from late summer to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Baccharis |
Appearance
The slender baccharis is a beautiful shrub that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. Its narrow and linear leaves give it a unique and striking appearance, and its small greenish-yellow flowers are a delightful sight to behold. The plant has a dense and branching growth habit, which makes it an excellent choice for hedges or screens. The slender baccharis can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, so it needs ample space to thrive. The plant’s leaves are grayish-green and measure 1-3 inches long and 1/8-1/4 inch wide.
Care Guide
The slender baccharis is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of this beautiful shrub:
- Water: The slender baccharis is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.
- Fertilization: The slender baccharis does not require regular fertilization. However, you can feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a year in spring.
- Soil: The slender baccharis prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
- Sunlight: The slender baccharis prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Ensure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The slender baccharis is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The slender baccharis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some of the common problems that can affect the plant:
- Spider mites: Spider mites can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
- Aphids: Aphids can cause the leaves to curl and distort. Use neem oil to control the infestation.
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to the death of the plant. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The slender baccharis is native to the western part of North America, including California, Arizona, and Oregon. The plant can grow in a wide range of habitats, including coastal plains, deserts, and mountains. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the slender baccharis a good choice for hedges?
A: Yes, the slender baccharis is an excellent choice for hedges or screens due to its dense and branching growth habit.
Q: Does the slender baccharis require regular fertilization?
A: No, the slender baccharis does not require regular fertilization. However, you can feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a year in spring.
Q: Can the slender baccharis tolerate drought?
A: Yes, the slender baccharis is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal watering.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the slender baccharis?
A: The slender baccharis is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Related Plants
- Baccharis pilularis (Coyote Brush)
- Baccharis salicina (Mule Fat)
- Baccharis sarothroides (Desert Broom)
- Baccharis halimifolia (Eastern Baccharis)
References
- “Baccharis linearis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285902&isprofile=0&basic=baccharis%20linearis
- “Baccharis linearis.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=946
- “Baccharis linearis.” Plant of the Week. University of Arizona. https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Baccharis&species=linearis
