Sea Myrtle, Baccharis halimifolia

A resilient native coastal shrub famous for its extreme salt tolerance and striking, late-season white seed plumes that resemble snow. (Also known as Salt Bush or Sea Myrtle). Baccharis halimifolia is native to the Coastal Plain from Texas to New England, where it is primarily found in tidal swamps, marshes, and maritime forests.

Baccharis halimifolia is a crucial plant for coastal ecosystems, providing late-season resources when few other plants are active. The small, inconspicuous flowers bloom very late in the season (September–November), making them an essential, late-fall nectar source for bees, wasps, and migrating butterflies. The dense, twiggy structure of the shrub provides excellent shelter and secure nesting sites for coastal and woodland birds. The fluffy, white, cotton-like plumes that cover the female plants in fall are the seeds, which are easily carried by the wind. These seeds are also a food source for seed-eating birds (though less preferred than other plants).

Deer resistance is high. The foliage is generally unpalatable to White-tailed Deer, making it a good choice for areas with high deer pressure.

Conditions

Requires bright, direct sunlight to maintain a dense, compact form and maximize flowering. Thrives in sand, clay, loam, or disturbed fill. Prefers moist soil but tolerates dry conditions. Salt spray and soil tolerance are exceptionally high, making it an excellent choice for coastal plantings. Does best with moderate moisture but is drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overly dry or saturated sites.

A tough, semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub, hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 10. Mature Size is 6 to 12 feet tall (1.8–3.6 m). 

Seed Propagation

The seeds of Groundsel Tree are typically non-dormant and require light to germinate.

Sow outdoors in late fall (for natural stratification), winter sow, or sow early spring (after the last frost). Scatter the seeds lightly on the surface of prepared, well-drained soil. Do not cover them, as they require light for optimal germination. Lightly press them into the soil surface. Keep the soil lightly and consistently moist until seedlings are established.

Germination is usually rapid, occurring in 1 to 3 weeks under warm, bright conditions. Thin seedlings to a spacing of 5-8 feet apart, as this plant grows large.

Interesting Facts & Botanical Insight

This plant is dioecious, meaning there are separate male plants (which produce only pollen) and female plants (which produce the seeds). Only the female plants develop the ornamental, cottony white seed plumes that give the plant its characteristic look.

The "Sea Myrtle" look. The seed plumes are so dense and profuse in the fall that a mature female shrub often loods like it's been draped in fresh, white cotton or light snow, making it a unique ornamental feature.

Despite its shrubby, woody appearance, it belongs to the Asteraceae (Daisy/Sunflower) family, the same family as dandelions and goldenrods.