Emory’s baccharis (Baccharis salicina, Fl. N. Amer. 2: 258 (1842))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Torr. & A.Gray

Bibliography: Fl. N. Amer. 2: 258 (1842)

Year: 1842

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Baccharis

Vegetable: False

Observations: U.S.A. to N. Mexico

Description

Emory’s baccharis, known scientifically as Baccharis salicina, is a noteworthy member of the Asteraceae family. First identified and described by the eminent botanists John Torrey and Asa Gray in 1842, this resilient shrub has captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Detailed in the publication “Flora of North America,” its distinguishing features and adaptability have earned it a unique place in botanical studies.

Native to the regions spanning the United States and northern Mexico, Emory’s baccharis thrives in a variety of environments. Its natural range highlights its resilience and adaptability, contributing to its survival and proliferation in diverse climatic conditions.

The plant itself is characterized by its robust and often shrubby form, typically producing a dense cluster of branches. The leaves of Baccharis salicina are notable for their elongated, narrow shape, suggesting an adaptation to conserve water in the often arid regions it inhabits. During its flowering phase, it showcases a profusion of small, yet visually significant, white blooms that are typical of the Asteraceae family. These blossoms play a crucial role in local ecosystems, providing a vital source of nectar and pollen for various pollinators.

Emory’s baccharis stands out not just for its botanical characteristics but also for its ecological importance. By supporting pollinator populations, it contributes to the health and stability of its native ecosystems. Furthermore, its presence across a broad geographical area underscores its ecological versatility and the role it plays in maintaining plant biodiversity.

Understanding plants like Baccharis salicina gives invaluable insights into the complexity and interconnectedness of natural habitats. It underscores the importance of plant conservation and the need to study and preserve the diverse flora that constitute our natural world.

Common Names

Eng: emory’s baccharis, emory’s seep-willow, great plains false willow, great plains falsewillow, willow baccharis
En: Emory’s baccharis, Emory’s seep-willow, Great Plains false willow, Great Plains falsewillow, Willow baccharis

Synonyms

• Baccharis emoryi (A.Gray)
• Baccharis salicifolia (Nutt.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Johnny Poppyseed (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2022 by mer jury massei (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2022 by mer jury massei (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Johnny Poppyseed (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2022 by mer jury massei (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3129634)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:183706-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Baccharis salicina Torr. & A.Gray)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 7.0