Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3129663

Groundsel Tree

Baccharis halimifolia

Also known as Sea Myrtle, Eastern Baccharis, Saltbush, Silverling

Groundsel tree thrives along coastal margins, tidal marshes, and disturbed inland edges where harsh salt spray and poor soils deter less resilient woody flora. This dioecious shrub produces separate male and female plants, transforming in late autumn when pollinated females erupt into clouds of silky, silvery-white seed plumes resembling a dusting of fresh snow. Widely dispersed by wind and water, it serves as valuable late-season cover for coastal birds but has become aggressively invasive in parts of southern Europe and Australia.

DeciduousCoastalSalt-Tolerant
Groundsel Tree reference1 / 7
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—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Groundsel Leaf Beetle
  • Groundsel Gall Midge
  • Stem-boring Baccharis Buprestid
ThreatsHerbicide applications, mechanical removal in non-native invasive ranges, and severe drought
HabitatsSalt marshes, coastal dunes, ditch banks, estuaries, old fields, and disturbed roadsides
Life span15–30 years
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusBaccharis
  4. SpeciesBaccharis halimifolia
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Leaves and seeds contain cardioactive glycosides; keep away from livestock and pets.
Why it is dangerous
Contains cardioactive glycosides and resins that cause trembling, gastrointestinal upset, and cardiac arrest in cattle and sheep.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for wedge-shaped, gray-green leaves with coarse teeth toward the tip and fluffy white autumn seed heads.
What to do
Do not allow livestock to graze near stands, and wear gloves if cutting or clearing large volumes.
Responsible observation
  • Timing Visits: Look for the dramatic silky plumes on female shrubs from September to November.
  • Pasture Management: Fence grazing livestock away from dense stands to prevent accidental forage poisoning.
Related species
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