Baccharis plummerae, commonly known as Plummer’s baccharis, is a perennial shrub native to coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats in Southern California, including the Western Transverse Ranges, Outer South California Coast Ranges, and the northern Channel Islands. This species is named in honor of botanist Sara Plummer Lemmon. Plummer’s baccharis typically grows to 6.6 feet tall and is characterized by its erect, slender stems and linear to oblong leaves that may have fine teeth on the margins. It is a dioecious plant, meaning individual shrubs are either male or female, with each sex producing distinct flower heads. The flowers are not particularly showy, with the male flowers being yellowish and the female flowers white, blooming from late summer to fall. The fruit is a ribbed achene topped with a pappus that aids in wind dispersal.

In cultivation, Plummer’s baccharis is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and restoration projects. It is also used for erosion control on slopes and banks. The shrub requires minimal maintenance once established and is best suited to full sun conditions with well-drained soil. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions. Plummer’s baccharis is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems. It is important to note that this shrub can be invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should be cautious about planting it in areas where it may spread uncontrollably.CC BY-SA 4.0