Baccharis brachyphylla
Short leaved baccharis
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Baccharis brachyphylla (Short leaved baccharis) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by narrow linear leaves <17mm and desert habitat.
Short leaved baccharis is a California native shrub found in the southern Transverse Ranges, southern Mojave Desert, and desert regions in dry canyons, washes, and sandy desert habitats at elevations of 180 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces small white flower heads arranged in open panicle-like clusters. Growing as a densely branched shrub less than one meter tall with slender, wand-like stems, it features erect and finely branched growth with short hairs. Its leaves are narrow and lance-linear, sessile and less than 17 millimeters long, with reduced distal leaves and a single main vein. The fruit is small, approximately 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters long, with fine hairs and five distinct ribs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; key features are narrow linear leaves <17mm and desert habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Canyons, dry washes, sandy deserts
Elevation: 180-1200 m
Outside California: to Texas, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Baccharis brachyphylla blooms Jul-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Ericameria: Baccharis has sticky leaves and white fluffy seeds; Ericameria has narrow leaves and bright yellow ray flowers.; vs Salix: Baccharis has sticky resinous leaves and flower heads; Salix has fuzzy catkins and alternate leaves without resin.; vs Quercus: Baccharis has sticky leaves and fluffy seeds; Quercus has lobed or entire leaves and produces acorns.; vs Ceanothus: Baccharis has small clustered flower heads; Ceanothus has dense clusters of showy blue or white 5-petaled flowers.; vs Lepidospartum: Baccharis has sticky leafy branches; Lepidospartum has scale-like leaves on broom-like green stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Baccharis brachyphylla native to California?
Yes. Baccharis brachyphylla is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Baccharis brachyphylla bloom?
Baccharis brachyphylla blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Baccharis brachyphylla belong to?
Baccharis brachyphylla is in the Asteraceae family, genus Baccharis.
What habitat does Baccharis brachyphylla grow in?
Baccharis brachyphylla grows in Canyons, dry washes, sandy deserts.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.