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desert baccharis
Scientific Name: Baccharis sergiloides
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Desert Baccharis (Baccharis sergiloides) and Desert Broom (Baccharis sarothroides)
This page provides information about two closely related plants: Desert Baccharis (Baccharis sergiloides) and Desert Broom (Baccharis sarothroides). While distinct species, they share common names and habitats, making them potentially confusing. We will highlight the characteristics and differences between these plants.
Considerations for Pets
- Resinous Stems: Baccharis sergiloides has resinous stems, a characteristic to be aware of.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Baccharis sergiloides A. Gray (Desert Baccharis), Baccharis sarothroides A. Gray (Desert Broom)
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family, also known as Compositae)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Synonyms: The text mentions "desertbroom," "desert broom," and "broom baccharis" as synonyms.
Distribution and Habitat
- Baccharis sergiloides is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is specifically mentioned as being found in California, the Mojave Desert, and Arizona.
- Baccharis sarothroides grows in the desert, desert grassland, and chaparral from 1000 to 5000 feet elevation in Arizona, the Sonoran Desert, and Mojave Deserts. It can also be found on rocky slopes and disturbed flats.
- Baccharis sergiloides is described as a water-indicating plant commonly found in seasonal streambeds.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Baccharis sergiloides is described as a bright-green, rounded shrub that is nearly leafless, especially when in flower. It grows to be 50-200 cm in height, is freely branched, broomlike, and has erect, fastigiate, striate-angular, green, glabrous stems.
- Whitish flowers bloom from spring to autumn on Baccharis sergiloides.
- Baccharis sarothroides is a rapidly growing desert shrub that can reach 10 feet tall. It has green stems that give it an evergreen appearance.
Ecological Role
- Baccharis sarothroides has been studied for its potential in phytoremediation, specifically its ability to grow on and absorb metals from copper mine tailings.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Baccharis sergiloides blooms profusely after summer thunderstorms, attracting many insects.
- Insects are collected from the foliage and branches of Baccharis sarothroides.
Quirky Facts
- Baccharis sergiloides is considered a water-indicating plant.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for gardening tips and ideas.
- Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Baccharis sergiloides.