SafePlants

Smooth Baccharis (Baccharis plummerae ssp. glabrata)

Smooth Baccharis, scientifically known as Baccharis plummerae ssp. glabrata, is a shrub belonging to the Sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is also referred to as Ms. Plummer's Baccharis.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species of Baccharis have sticky leaves and stems.

Considerations for Children

• Some species of Baccharis have sticky leaves and stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Baccharis plummerae ssp. glabrata Hoover
• Common Name: Smooth Baccharis
• Rank: Subspecies
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms: Baccharis plummerae A.Gray subsp. glabrata (International Plant Names Index)

Distribution and Habitat

Baccharis malibuensis is a rare California species. Eastern Baccharis (Baccharis halimifolia) naturally inhabits the edges of tidal fresh areas.

Morphological Characteristics

• Smooth Baccharis is a smooth shrub with many branches, growing to 3 or more feet tall.
• Stems are usually erect or ascending, rarely prostrate. They are usually striate-angled, rarely terete and smooth, and typically green. Stems can be glabrous, glabrate, or hispidulous.
• Leaves can be lance-shaped, smooth-edged, or slightly serrated, measuring 1.5 to 6.5.
• Leaves are described as small, thick, and smooth.
• Leaves may be 3-nerved, 2-6 cm long, smooth-margined or with one to three teeth.
• Twigs are slender, yellow-green to reddish brown to gray, initially hairy, but later becoming smooth.
• Bark is smooth, reddish gray with small lenticels.

Ecological Role

Certain Baccharis species are considered problem weeds of rangelands and pastures. Baccharis is often associated with marsh elder (Iva frutescens).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Tephritis baccharis (Coquillett) is bivoltine and monophagous on Baccharis.
• Six new species of Puccinia on Baccharis have been described.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name Baccharis comes from the Greek name Bakkaris, given to a plant with a fragrant root and was then recycled by Linnaeus.

Related Research

• Extracts of Baccharis genistelloides have demonstrated antiviral properties in vitro.
• Based on in vitro studies, Baccharis trimera may relax smooth muscles.
• A diterpene from Baccharis trimera has a relaxant effect on rat vascular smooth muscle.
• Baccharis trimera may help decrease food intake.

Further Information

• TSN 35696 refers to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) entry for Baccharis plummerae.
• International Plant Names Index (IPNI) can be referenced for Baccharis plummerae A.Gray subsp. glabrata.