Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis
Photo: parent species Baccharis pilularis · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by prostrate mat form with 5-15mm leaves and one-sided branchlets.
Coyote brush is a California native shrub found in northern coastal and central coastal bioregions on sandy beaches and exposed coastal bluffs at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from July to December, this plant produces small, inconspicuous white flowers in dense clusters. Growing with prostrate, flexible stems that form low-spreading mats, it creates distinctive ground-covering patches along the coastline. Its leaves are generally 5 to 15 millimeters long, arranged in a way that creates a dense, one-sided branching pattern. The plant forms extensive, resilient ground cover that helps stabilize coastal sandy environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; prostrate mat form with 5-15mm leaves and one-sided branchlets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy beaches, exposed coastal bluffs
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Marin, Mendocino, Butte, Sonoma, Del Norte, Humboldt, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Monterey, Ventura, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara
Outside California: Oregon
Bloom period
Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis 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. pilularis native to California?
Yes. Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis bloom?
Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis blooms Jul-Dec.
Where in California does Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis grow?
Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis occurs in Marin, Mendocino, Butte, Sonoma, Del Norte, Humboldt, San Francisco, San Mateo and other counties, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis belong to?
Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Baccharis.
What habitat does Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis grow in?
Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis grows in Sandy beaches, exposed coastal bluffs.
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.