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Desert Baccharis

Baccharis sergiloides

true

1 gallon; 3 gallon

Desert Baccharis

In stock

6'x6'

Sizes:

Desert Baccharis – Baccharis sergiloides
Also known as: Waterweed

Desert Baccharis is an upright, many-stemmed shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall, with green, ridged stems and small, wedge-shaped leaves with notched tips. The leaves are often shed at flowering time, giving the shrub a bare appearance when covered with its bright yellow disk flowers in spring.

A member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae), Desert Baccharis lacks ray (petal-like) flowers, so its inflorescences are composed entirely of disk florets. These flowerheads dry into persistent fuzzy tufts that can last for months. It prefers full sun and thrives in sandy or gravelly soil with good drainage, often found in canyons, desert washes, ephemeral streambeds, and roadsides. It is a strong indicator of water in otherwise arid landscapes and is highly tolerant of drought once established.

Desert Baccharis plays a vital ecological role in desert ecosystems. It stabilizes soils in disturbed areas, provides cover for small animals, and serves as a seasonal food and nectar source for insects and birds.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Confirmed for some native moth species (Noctuidae family)
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Leda Ministreak (Ministrymon leda)
Bird Resources: Nectar; Shelter
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

6'x6'

Growth rate:

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Year Round

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

15 degrees with some reports down to -4 degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.