Family: Asteraceae
Compound: Bac sal
Synonyms: Baccharis alamanii, Baccharis glutinosa, Baccharis longifolia, Baccharis parviflora,
Baccharis salicifolia var. salicifolia, Baccharis viminea, Baccharis viminea var. atwoodii, Baccharis
viminea var. viminea, Molina salicifolia
Geographic Origin: SW US, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile,
Argentina and Uruguay.
Characteristics: A large shrub, up to 4m (13ft). Stems are green to brown, becoming woody with
age and radiating outwards in all directions. They may be smooth, or slightly hairy. Leaves are
narrow, pointed, with fine serrations or smooth edges, and 30-150mm long by 3-20mm wide
(1.2-5.9in by 0.1-0.8in). They are smooth, with somewhat noticeable glands. Flowers are
composites in compound corymbs at the end of the branches. They are white to cream or may
have a pinkish hue. They bloom while fully leafed out. Seeds are wind dispersed.
Natural History: Often grows beside streams and washes, or ponds. Can form dense clumps of
many interwoven plants. Grows below 1524m (5,000ft). Flowers from spring to fall, providing a
food source for numerous pollinators and their predators. The dense growth provides shade
and shelter for wildlife.
Cultivation Notes: May be grown from hardwood cuttings. Some sources say cuttings should be
taken in winter, while others say summer. Seeds should be sown on the soil’s surface and
misted to keep moist. When established, moderate water and partial to full sun are
recommended.
For general plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Historically used by native peoples as both a food in emergencies, as well as a
hair and eye wash. The often long, straight stems could be used for construction of shelter,
arrows, or to start fires using the hand drill method. More recently, it has been used for erosion
control, habitat restoration, and for landscaping. Its large dense growth and value to pollinators
makes it an excellent choice for native gardens.
Citations:
U.S. Forest Service
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/Baccharis-salicifolia.shtml
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=2528#
SacValley CNPS PROPAGATION PROTOCOLS https://www.sacvalleycnps.org/wp-
content/uploads/2025/02/Nursery-protocol-by-species-24-25-PDF.pdf
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=basa4