Baccharis vanessae
Encinitas baccharis
(c) James C. Davis, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by James C. Davis · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Threatened
Baccharis vanessae (Encinitas baccharis) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by CNPS 1B.1; key features are thread-like fleshy leaves and reflexed phyllary tips.
Encinitas baccharis is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found in southern Coastal California and northwestern Peninsular Ranges in San Diego County, occurring in chaparral and Torrey-pine forest understory at elevations of 60 to 300 meters. Flowering from August to December, this plant produces small white flower heads in loose, open clusters with delicate, reflexed phyllaries. Growing as a compact, broom-like shrub less than 2 meters tall with dense, erect branches, it develops a distinctive architectural form with often leafless flowering stems. Its thread-like to linear leaves are sessile, extremely narrow (1 to 3 millimeters wide), slightly fleshy, and dotted with resin glands. The fruit is small, 2 to 3 millimeters long, with a pappus 7 to 10 millimeters in length that aids in wind dispersal.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; CNPS 1B.1; key features are thread-like fleshy leaves and reflexed phyllary tips
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, including Torrey-pine forest understory
Elevation: 60-300 m
Bloom period
Baccharis vanessae blooms Aug-Dec.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Threatened
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 vanessae native to California?
Yes. Baccharis vanessae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Baccharis vanessae bloom?
Baccharis vanessae blooms Aug-Dec.
What plant family does Baccharis vanessae belong to?
Baccharis vanessae is in the Asteraceae family, genus Baccharis.
Is Baccharis vanessae rare or endangered?
Baccharis vanessae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Baccharis vanessae grow in?
Baccharis vanessae grows in Chaparral, including Torrey-pine forest understory.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Baccharis brachyphylla — Short leaved baccharis
- Baccharis glutinosa — Marsh baccharis
- Baccharis malibuensis — Malibu baccharis
- Baccharis pilularis — Coyote brush
- Baccharis pilularis subsp. consanguinea
- Baccharis pilularis subsp. pilularis
- Bahiopsis laciniata — San diego viguiera
- Bahiopsis parishii — Parish's goldeneye
- Bahiopsis reticulata — Death valley goldeneye
- Bahiopsis sp.
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.