Baccharis plummerae
Plummer's baccharis
(c) Zack Abbey, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zack Abbey · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Baccharis plummerae (Plummer's baccharis) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by NONE sympatric - geographically isolated.
Plummer's baccharis is a California native shrub found in shrubland and chaparral habitats, typically growing at elevations of 500 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from August to October, this plant produces white to cream-colored flower heads in compact clusters, creating a delicate and rounded appearance. Growing to 2 meters tall with erect, slender, wand-like stems that are loosely branched and bushy, it develops a distinctive rounded form with short hairs or occasional glandular surfaces. Its leaves are sessile, ranging from 1 to 13 millimeters wide, with wedge-shaped bases and obtuse tips that may have closely-spaced, sharp minute teeth. The shrub produces small hairy fruits with five distinct ribs, contributing to its unique structural character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: NONE sympatric - geographically isolated
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 plummerae native to California?
Yes. Baccharis plummerae is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Baccharis plummerae belong to?
Baccharis plummerae is in the Asteraceae family, genus Baccharis.
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.