Drought Tolerant Native Very Rare

Broombush Falsewillow

Baccharis dioica

$26.00
1 Gallon USDA Zones 8–10 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 4–6 Feet

Baccharis dioica, the broombush falsewillow, is a rare, salt-tolerant coastal shrub rediscovered behind the dunes of Dauphin Island, tough where wind and salt defeat others.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.

A rare, semi-evergreen shrub, Baccharis dioica resembles the common groundsel bush, Baccharis halimifolia, but is quite distinct. In 1979, just before Hurricane Frederic did tremendous damage to the Mobile, Alabama area, we found this plant growing behind the dunes on Dauphin Island.

Not recognizing the shrub, we sent material to the recognized authority on the genus at Southern Methodist University, who identified the plant as Baccharis dioica, a Caribbean species new to Alabama. Otherwise known in the United States only from southernmost Florida, where the species is now considered extirpated, this rare broombush has proven winter hardy for years in our South Carolina garden.

A salt-tolerant, drought-tolerant shrub for a hot, sunny, coastal or seaside garden, where few other shrubs will take the wind and salt. Like the rest of the genus, Baccharis dioica carries male and female flowers on separate plants, the females bearing soft white seed fluff in fall. A botanical rarity and a piece of Gulf Coast natural history for the collector and the coastal gardener.

Additional photos courtesy of George D. Gann.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 8–10
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 4–6 Feet · Spread 3–4 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Semi-Evergreen
Design Notes

A rare, salt- and drought-tolerant shrub for a hot, sunny coastal or seaside garden, where wind and salt defeat most other shrubs. Useful as informal structure in a dune, beachside, or dry sunny planting, and a true botanical rarity for the collector. Plant a male and a female for the white fall seed fluff.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Small whitish flowers; female plants bear white seed fluff in fall

Foliage. Small, gray-green leaves on a dense, semi-evergreen, salt-tolerant shrub. Flowers. Small whitish flowers; the species is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Seed. Female plants carry soft white seed fluff in fall, the showiest moment of the year.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun to part shade.

Soil. Well-drained soil; tolerant of sandy, salty, coastal ground.

Water. Water to establish; drought and salt tolerant once settled.

Pruning. Prune in late winter to shape; tolerates hard cutting back.

Hardiness. USDA zones 8 to 10.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.