Family: Asteraceae
Compound: Bac sar
Synonyms: Baccharis arizonica
Geographic Origin: SW US, NW Mexico
Characteristics: A large perennial shrub reaching 2-2.5m (6.5-8.2ft) in height. Many stems emerge from the base and grow upwards. Stems are heavily branched, starting out green, and becoming brown/grey and woody with age. Leaves are sparse, narrow, and difficult to distinguish from the stems from a distance. Both leaves and stems are resinous and lack hairs. Flowers are discoid composites and are found in panicles or by themselves on the ends of stems. Seeds are wind dispersed.
Natural History: Grows between 305-1676m (1,000-5,500ft) in washes, small hills and in flat areas with sandy soils. Blooms in the late fall to early winter.
Cultivation Notes: There is little information about the propagation of this species available. It is not typically sold at nurseries, but is common in urban areas such as washes or alleyways. Try collecting wild seed and spreading it on the surface of the soil in a pot and watering frequently or directly in the ground during the rainy season. Tolerates poor soils and partial to full sun. This is a great plant for pollinators, and clouds of butterflies and other insects may be observed around them during their flowering season.
For general plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Branches can be used to make brooms or arrows. Also used medicinally to treat stomach pain and coughing.
Citations:
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
Southwest Desert Flora