Coyote Brush
Baccharis pilularis
Also known as Coyote Bush, Chaparral Broom, Bush Baccharis
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous California native shrub with fine-textured, bright green foliage that produces small white flowers in fall and winter. Highly drought-tolerant and excellent for erosion control and low-maintenance landscapes.
Why grow it
Coyote brush offers reliable performance as a native groundcover or low shrub where other drought-tolerant California natives might prove too coarse or visually heavy. It establishes quickly on slopes and disturbed sites, making it a practical alternative to non-native erosion-control species. Its fine texture and modest scale suit smaller residential landscapes better than larger native shrubs like toyon or manzanita.
Watch out for
In coastal or high-humidity regions, the dense foliage can trap moisture and encourage fungal issues, so ensure adequate air circulation. Plants may become woody and sparse in the interior without occasional rejuvenation pruning, though this is less critical than with some other native shrubs. Some cultivars selected for compactness may require supplemental water during establishment more than wild-type plants.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California, New Mexico, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Twin Peaks' and 'Pigeon Point' are low-growing prostrate selections reaching 1–2 feet tall and spreading 6–8 feet, specifically bred for erosion control and fire-safe gardens.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous California native shrub with fine-textured, bright green foliage that produces small white flowers in fall and winter. Highly drought-tolerant and excellent for erosion control and low-maintenance landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Coyote Brush grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Coyote brush offers reliable performance as a native groundcover or low shrub where other drought-tolerant California natives might prove too coarse or visually heavy. It establishes quickly on slopes and disturbed sites, making it a practical alternative to non-native erosion-control species. Its fine texture and modest scale suit smaller residential landscapes better than larger native shrubs like toyon or manzanita.
Watch out for
In coastal or high-humidity regions, the dense foliage can trap moisture and encourage fungal issues, so ensure adequate air circulation. Plants may become woody and sparse in the interior without occasional rejuvenation pruning, though this is less critical than with some other native shrubs. Some cultivars selected for compactness may require supplemental water during establishment more than wild-type plants.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California, New Mexico, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Twin Peaks' and 'Pigeon Point' are low-growing prostrate selections reaching 1–2 feet tall and spreading 6–8 feet, specifically bred for erosion control and fire-safe gardens.