Mountain Baccharis Plant Care
Baccharis latifolia Pers.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Baccharis is a genus of perennials and shrubs in the aster family (Asteraceae). They are commonly known as baccharises but sometimes referred to as "brooms", because many members have small thin leaves resembling the true brooms.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mountain Baccharis?
Plant Mountain Baccharis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Mountain Baccharis?
Mountain Baccharis (Baccharis latifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Baccharis genus. Mountain Baccharis is native to the genus Senecio. Mountain Baccharis is also known as Broadleaf Baccharis.
Mountain Baccharis displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Mountain Baccharis produces small white or greenish flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mountain Baccharis?
Water a young or newly planted Mountain 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Mountain Baccharis Need?
Mountain Baccharis thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mountain Baccharis Prefer?
Baccharis latifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Mountain Baccharis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mountain Baccharis?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Mountain Baccharis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mountain Baccharis?
Feed Mountain 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Mountain Baccharis?
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.
Mountain Baccharis is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Mountain Baccharis?
Mountain 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.
How Do You Prune a Mountain Baccharis?
Prune Mountain 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.
How Do You Care for a Mountain Baccharis in Winter?
Mountain Baccharis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Mountain Baccharis?
Mountain Baccharis can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to manzanita baccharis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mountain Baccharis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mountain Baccharis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mountain Baccharis?
Mountain 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mountain Baccharis Need?
Mountain Baccharis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mountain Baccharis is native to the genus Senecio. In cooler regions, grow Mountain Baccharis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Mountain Baccharis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Baccharis genus — compare its care with other Baccharis species on PlantoScan.
Baccharis is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Mountain Baccharis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Baccharis Species
Other Baccharis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Baccharis latifolia Pers., family Asteraceae (first published in Syn. Pl. 2(2): 424 (1807)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mountain Baccharis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
