Baccharis brachyphylla, commonly known as Shortleaf Baccharis, is an evergreen subshrub or shrub native to arid environments such as desert scrub and rocky slopes in the Southwestern United States, particularly California, and Northwest Mexico. It typically grows up to 1 meter tall with erect, branching green stems. The leaves are linear or thinly lance-shaped, measuring less than 2 centimeters (0.79 inches) in length. The inflorescence consists of a wide array of flower heads, and as a dioecious species, it has male and female plants that produce different but similarly appearing flower types. The flowers and foliage are glandular, and the female flowers yield ribbed achenes with a fuzzy body 2–3 millimeters (0.08–0.12 inches) long and a pappus about 5 millimeters (0.20 inches) long.

Shortleaf Baccharis is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for erosion control due to its fast-draining soil preference and ability to establish in part shade to full sun. This plant is low-maintenance, requiring very little water once established, and is well-suited for rock gardens and desert landscapes. However, gardeners should be aware that Baccharis species can spread aggressively in some conditions, and care should be taken to manage its growth in cultivation to prevent potential invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0