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Salt Bush, Sea Myrtle, or Groundsel
Baccharis halimifolia L.
(BAK-a-ris ha-li-mi-FO-li-a)
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Salt Bush Male
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Salt Bush Female
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General:
This large evergreen
shrub with many branches grows to about 4 m. (12 ft.) high. It
puts on a big, fluffy show around the state every autumn. It
would make a good background plant in a seaside landscape. It is
a well known medicinal plant with decocsions of the leaves and roots
used for treating colds, stomach ache and fever. It
contains glycosidal saponin. The branches were used as “yard
brooms” in the south. Both the nectar and pollen are used by
honey bees to make a marketable honey.
Flowers/Fruit:
A dioecious plant, the
male and female flowers appear on different bushes. The female
flowers are white, carried in large heads. The male flowers are
yellow. The seeds form masses of hair-like bristles, making the
plant look like it is covered with smoky fluff.
Leaves/Stems:
The alternate, simple
leaves have coarse teeth toward the tips. The thick textured,
yellow-green leaves are 4-7 cm. (2-3 in.) long. They are covered
with small, amber dots.
Distribution:
Found throughout the
state and the Keys, Baccharis is also found from Texas to
Massachusetts. It even occurs in Mexico, Central America, the
West Indies and Bahamas.
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