Baccharis sergiloides
Desert baccharis
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Baccharis sergiloides (Desert baccharis) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by differs from B. sarothroides by broader toothed leaves and shorter pappus 1.7-3.1mm.
Desert baccharis is a California native shrub found in the Tehachapi Mountains, Peninsular Ranges, and Desert regions in gravelly streambeds, dry washes, and grasslands at elevations of 70 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces white flowers in small heads arranged in crowded panicle-like clusters. Growing to less than 3 meters tall with many strictly erect, green branches that form a broom-like shape, it creates a distinctive architectural presence in arid landscapes. Its leaves are widely oblanceolate to obovate, sessile and less than 35 millimeters long, with bases long-tapered and occasionally bearing 1 to 4 irregular teeth. The shrub is notably glabrous and often appears sticky, with reduced upper leaves that become bract-like toward the branch tips.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; differs from B. sarothroides by broader toothed leaves and shorter pappus 1.7-3.1mm
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gravelly or sandy streambeds, dry washes, grassland
Elevation: -70-1800 m
Outside California: to Utah, Arizona, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Baccharis sergiloides blooms Jul-Oct.
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 sergiloides native to California?
Yes. Baccharis sergiloides is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Baccharis sergiloides bloom?
Baccharis sergiloides blooms Jul-Oct.
What plant family does Baccharis sergiloides belong to?
Baccharis sergiloides is in the Asteraceae family, genus Baccharis.
What habitat does Baccharis sergiloides grow in?
Baccharis sergiloides grows in Gravelly or sandy streambeds, dry washes, grassland.
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.