Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea
Photo: parent species Baccharis pilularis · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by erect form with evenly distributed branchlets and 15-40mm leaves.
Coyote brush is a California native shrub found in northwestern California, the northern Sierra Nevada foothills, Sacramento Valley, central western California, southern California coastal areas, Channel Islands, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in coastal bluffs, woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed sites at elevations up to 750 meters. Flowering from July to December, this plant produces small, white flowers in dense clusters. Growing as an erect or rounded shrub with brittle branches that spread evenly around its main stems, it typically reaches 1 to 2 meters tall. Its leaves are generally 15 to 40 millimeters long, with a variable shape that helps the plant adapt to different coastal and inland habitats. The shrub is particularly notable for its ability to thrive in diverse environments, from coastal bluffs to disturbed sites.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; erect form with evenly distributed branchlets and 15-40mm leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal bluffs, woodland, grassland, disturbed sites, occasionally on serpentine
Elevation: < 750(1500) m
Outside California: Oregon, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea blooms Jul-Dec.
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 pilularis subsp. consanguinea native to California?
Yes. Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea bloom?
Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea blooms Jul-Dec.
What plant family does Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea belong to?
Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea is in the Asteraceae family, genus Baccharis.
What habitat does Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea grow in?
Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea grows in Coastal bluffs, woodland, grassland, disturbed sites, occasionally on serpentine.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.