Groundsel Bush in Bloom
The Extension office has received numerous inquiries on moderate size bushes blooming along roadsides and in natural areas. What people are observing is the groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia). It has thick branches, short trunks that are densely covered in branches. The plants are dioecious, meaning they have male and female flowers on different plants. The green to white flowers grow in small dense clusters are the terminal ends of the branches with slivery plume-like structures (botanically referred to as achenes) on the female flowers that resemble silvery feathers. The blooms produce significant amounts of nectar that attract butterflies and other pollinators. The shrub produces a lot of seeds that help it colonize open areas.
The plant is frequently found growing by the seaside, being tolerant to salt sprays from the ocean. They thrive in most conditions but require full to partial sun. Groundsel bushes do well in wet areas and are often found in wetlands and swamps. The plant is native to our area. Interesting note: in Australia, the groundsel bush is invasive.
The shrub is not considered a landscape plant, but you can plant and grow it in your yard if you would like. It is useful as a hedge or as a specimen plant.
(Above photograph by Karan Rawlins, University of Georgia)\
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