Dragon-leaf baccharis Plant Care

Dragon-leaf baccharis (Baccharis dracunculifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Baccharis genus. Dragon-leaf baccharis is native to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Uruguay. Dragon-leaf baccharis is also known as Alecrim-do-campo, Baccharis bracteata, Baccharis dracunculifolia.

Dragon-leaf baccharis displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Dragon-leaf baccharis produces small white or greenish flowers in dense clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dragon-leaf baccharis every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Dragon-leaf baccharis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Baccharis dracunculifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Dragon-leaf baccharis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Dragon-leaf baccharis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dragon-leaf baccharis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dragon-leaf baccharis is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Dragon-leaf baccharis can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Dragon-leaf baccharis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Dragon-leaf baccharis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Dragon-leaf baccharis can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Dragon-leaf baccharis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Dragon-leaf baccharis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Dragon-leaf baccharis is native to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Uruguay. In cooler regions, grow Dragon-leaf baccharis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.