Plant profile

Baccharis

Genus Baccharis

Baccharis is a genus of tough, wildlife-friendly shrubs often used to add structure and long-season nectar to gardens and restoration plantings. If you have a sunny spot and want a low-fuss shrub that can support pollinators, Baccharis is worth a look.

Plant Type

Shrubs > Baccharis

Aliases

Coyotebrush, mulefat

Native Range

Varies by species; the genus occurs across the Americas.

Bloom window

Varies by species; often blooms in warm-season into fall

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Baccharis shrubs are a practical choice when you want a plant that can do more than just look nice. They can add a steady, woody backbone to a planting while also offering clusters of small flowers that many insects can use.

If you’re gardening in a small space, Baccharis can still play a role: one well-placed shrub can provide repeated visits from pollinators, especially when you pair it with a few flowering perennials that bloom earlier in the year.

Because this page covers a whole genus, use it as a guide to the “Baccharis style” of plant. When you shop, look for the full species name on the label and choose a size and form that fits your space and maintenance comfort.

Best role for pollinators

Sunny, low-fuss plantings where you want a hardy shrub that can contribute nectar and shelter.

Baccharis (mulefat/coyotebrush) (Baccharis spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/102845977 Photo: (c) kendalloei, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Coyotebrush, mulefat
Bloom window	Varies by species; often blooms in warm-season into fall
Typical height	Varies by species; often medium to tall shrub
Pollinators supported	Bees, Butterflies, Flies, Wasps
Light & moisture	Best in sun; moisture needs vary by species, but many handle dry spells once established.
Best roles for pollinators	Sunny, low-fuss plantings where you want a hardy shrub that can contribute nectar and shelter.

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Baccharis shrubs add long-lasting structure and can provide lots of small flowers that many pollinators can use.

What they need

A bright spot, decent drainage, and a little patience while roots establish.

One best action

Plant Baccharis in a sunny location and avoid routine spraying so visiting insects can safely use the blooms.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Baccharis shrubs can be a practical way to add both flowers and habitat structure, supporting pollinators while also making a garden feel fuller and more resilient.

Because Baccharis flowers are small and numerous, they can attract a mix of tiny pollinators that may skip larger, showier blooms.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Shrubs add year-round habitat structure, not just seasonal flowers.
Dense branching can offer shelter for small wildlife and beneficial insects.
Masses of small blooms can support a wide range of pollinator visitors.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Baccharis is a genus, so details vary, but these traits are common in many garden and wild forms.

Leaves

Leaf shape varies by species; many have simple leaves that can be narrow or oval, often with a slightly leathery feel.

Flowers

Small, clustered flowers; not showy individually, but often abundant across the shrub.

Fruits

Many species form fluffy, wind-carried seed heads after flowering.

Baccharis (*Baccharis* spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/605360606 Photo: (c) zacjlbg_btrl, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Open sunny areas
Shrublands and edges
Disturbed sites (some species)

Where it is often used

Pollinator-friendly shrub border
Natural screen or informal hedge
Habitat corner or “wild” edge planting
Low-maintenance foundation planting (where appropriate)

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Bloom timing depends on the species and local conditions, but many Baccharis shrubs are valued for flowering later than many garden plants.

Bloom Season Role: Fills gaps with many small blooms that can keep pollinators fed when other flowers are scarce.

Seasonal benefits

Can provide nectar when fewer plants are blooming
Pairs well with early- and mid-season flowers to extend the overall bloom calendar

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Choose a sunny spot for best growth and flowering; part sun can work for some species.

Soil type

Well-drained soil is a good default; many Baccharis tolerate lean soils once established.

Moisture needs

Water regularly during the first season to help roots settle in, then reduce watering; avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.

Planting method

Give the shrub room to reach its natural shape, or plan for light shaping if you want a hedge.

Mulching tips

Mulch lightly to reduce weeds and hold moisture, keeping mulch a little away from the stem.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Pick a sunny location with soil that doesn’t stay soggy.
Dig a hole about as deep as the root ball and a bit wider.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill, press gently, and water well to settle the soil.
Mulch lightly and keep the area weeded while the plant establishes.

Seasonal care

Water during establishment; once settled, water only during long dry spells if needed.
Prune lightly to shape or remove dead wood; avoid heavy pruning right before or during the main bloom period.
Leave some stems and seed heads through the cooler months when possible, then tidy up in spring.

What not to do

Planting in heavy shade and getting weak growth or few flowers.
Keeping the soil constantly wet.
Spraying for “bugs” during bloom.

Pairings

Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom

Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.

Early Bloom

Early-blooming native wildflowers
Spring bulbs (where appropriate)

Mid-Season Bloom

Summer-blooming perennials with larger flowers
Native grasses for texture and shelter

Late-Season Bloom

Late-blooming asters and goldenrods
Other fall-flowering perennials

“Baccharis” covers many species with different sizes and needs. If you’re buying a plant, check the species name and tag details so you pick one that fits your space.

GLOSSARY