Baccharis thesioides Plant Care
Baccharis thesioides Kunth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Baccharis thesioides is a North American species of shrubs in the family Asteraceae known by the common name Arizona baccharis. It is widespread in Mexico from Chihuahua to Oaxaca, and also found in the southwestern United States.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Baccharis thesioides?
Plant Baccharis thesioides 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.
Where Is the Baccharis thesioides Native To?
What Is the Baccharis thesioides?
Baccharis thesioides (Baccharis thesioides) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Baccharis genus. Baccharis thesioides is native to the southwestern United States.
Baccharis thesioides displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Baccharis thesioides produces small white or greenish flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Baccharis thesioides?
Water a young or newly planted Baccharis thesioides 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 Baccharis thesioides Need?
Baccharis thesioides thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Baccharis thesioides Prefer?
Baccharis thesioides tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Baccharis thesioides prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Baccharis thesioides?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Baccharis thesioides to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Baccharis thesioides?
Feed Baccharis thesioides 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 Baccharis thesioides?
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.
Baccharis thesioides 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 Baccharis thesioides?
Baccharis thesioides 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 Baccharis thesioides?
Prune Baccharis thesioides 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 Baccharis thesioides in Winter?
Baccharis thesioides 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 Baccharis thesioides?
Baccharis thesioides can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to manzanita baccharis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Baccharis thesioides Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Baccharis thesioides, 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 Baccharis thesioides?
Baccharis thesioides 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 Baccharis thesioides Need?
Baccharis thesioides grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Baccharis thesioides is native to the southwestern United States. In cooler regions, grow Baccharis thesioides as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Baccharis thesioides 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.
Baccharis thesioides 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 thesioides Kunth, family Asteraceae (first published in Nov. Gen. Sp. 4(14): 48 (ed. fol.) (1818)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Baccharis thesioides, 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.
