Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae
Plummer's baccharis, Plummer's Baccharis
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae (Plummer's baccharis) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by CNPS 4.3; differs from subsp. glabrata by curled stem hairs and 3-veined leaves.
Plummer's baccharis is a California native shrub found in coastal bioregions including central Coast, southern Coast Ranges, southern California, northern Channel Islands, and western Transverse Ranges on rocky slopes near beaches, sea bluffs, and brushy canyons at elevations below 1,850 meters. Flowering from August to November, this plant produces white flowers in small clustered heads. Growing to a moderate height with fine, curled stems that give a delicate appearance, it develops an intricate branching structure. Its leaves are oblong or oblanceolate, 20 to 45 millimeters long with three main veins and delicate minute teeth along the edges. In coastal habitats, this shrub provides important structural diversity in chaparral and coastal scrub environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; CNPS 4.3; differs from subsp. glabrata by curled stem hairs and 3-veined leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes near beach, sea bluffs, brushy canyons
Elevation: < 1850 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo
Bloom period
Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae blooms Aug-Nov.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 subsp. plummerae native to California?
Yes. Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae bloom?
Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae blooms Aug-Nov.
Where in California does Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae grow?
Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae occurs in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, at elevations of < 1850 m.
What plant family does Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae belong to?
Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae is in the Asteraceae family, genus Baccharis.
Is Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae rare or endangered?
Baccharis plummerae subsp. plummerae carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.