Photo of Baccharis magellanica flower, foliage, form by pellaea

Photo by pellaea

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

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Baccharis magellanica

Also Known As

  • Baccharis tricuneata
  • Christmas Bush
  • Inca Gem

Plant type

shrub, groundcover

size

  • H: 4"-6"
  • W: 36"-48"

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

More Options

Baccharis magellanica plant details

Baccharis tricuneata is a broadleaf evergreen groundcover shrub with green foliage. In spring and winter cream flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - bright shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Baccharis tricuneata

Plant type: groundcover shrub
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 36 IN - 48 IN - wide, 4 IN - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: cream blooms in spring and winter
Uses: year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Baccharis tricuneata

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, seaside / salt and wind
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

From southern Argentina, a place rich in baccharis species, comes this ground hugging plant from the wind- swept Magellanic Plains. This male clone, only 4-6" in height spreading to 4 ft or more with 1/4" glossy evergreen leaves makes a fabulous ground cover for bright light situations needing only occasional summer water where dry. Roots as it spreads. Late winter to spring cream-colored flowers enhance its appearance and make local pollinators do the happy dance. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.
From the Magellanic Plains of Southern Argentina comes this evergreen, shiny, tiny-leafed, mounding shrub, tolerant of harsh conditions including wind. It can handle a salty seaside too. Small white sputniks stud the surface in early spring making it look a bit Christmasy, hence the common name, christmasbush. About 5" tall, it can spread to 4 feet, rootingas it goes. Dense, it can be an effective weed-suppressor. Collected by Dan Hinkley in the southern Chilean Andes. Minimum temperature: 0°F

Gardening facts about Baccharis magellanica plant

How to Grow Baccharis magellanica

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • wind tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Baccharis for your garden

aka Mule Fat, Mulefat

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6b-11

Size

Height: 6'-12'

Width: 3'-9'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Baccharis salicifolia foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

aka Baccharis x 'Centennial', Centennial Desert Broom

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 3'-6'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Baccharis 'Centennial' flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Conyza articulata, Molina articulata, Pingraea articulata

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 1'-3'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - low
Photo of Baccharis articulata macro by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Baccharis crispa, Baccharis genistelloides var. crispa, Baccharis trimera, Conyza genistelloides, Molina trimera

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 3'-6'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Baccharis genistelloides foliage by Kurt Stueber
View Plant

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Baccharis linearis form by Penarc
View Plant
+16 more Baccharis
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