Quick answer: Groundsel tree (Baccharis halimifolia) is native to 12 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Macleay Grass Man, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Low, Medium, High |
| Soil | Sandy, saline-tolerant, wet to dry |
| Bloom | Aug-Nov |
| Height | 6-12 ft |
| Wildlife value | Late-season nectar for migrating butterflies/bees, dioecious |
Toxic to livestock if ingested in quantity (contains toxic terpenoids)
Considered invasive/weedy outside native range (e.g. Australia, Hawaii); can colonize disturbed sites aggressively
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Groundsel tree
Where is Groundsel tree native?
Groundsel tree (Baccharis halimifolia) is native to 12 states across the Northeast and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Groundsel tree bloom?
Groundsel tree blooms Aug-Nov. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Groundsel tree need?
Light: Sun. Water: Low, Medium, High. Soil: Sandy, saline-tolerant, wet to dry. Mature height: 6-12 ft.
Is Groundsel tree good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Late-season nectar for migrating butterflies/bees, dioecious.
Is Groundsel tree deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Groundsel tree is drought-tolerant and handles wet soil.
Is Groundsel tree toxic?
Toxic to livestock if ingested in quantity (contains toxic terpenoids).
Where can I buy Groundsel tree?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Baccharis halimifolia by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Groundsel tree.
- Hollow Joe-pye weed Eutrochium fistulosum
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- Threadleaf coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Common elderberry Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis
Also listed under
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