This evergreen shrub, formally known as Baccharis Pilularis but commonly called chaparral broom, is a tough cookie. It will live in poor soil, windy conditions, coastal conditions, and it will also tolerate the heat of even the Sacramento Valley. This variety is native to Northern California, although I grew up outside of Sacramento in the Sierra Foothills and I never remember seeing it anywhere. But, Northern California is a large area and if I were to guess (a poor decision for an informational blog really so please someone tell me if they know where this plant calls home), I would guess that the coastal regions are likely where this plant lives in the wild.
The first time I noticed this plant was in San Diego as a ground cover for the slopes and canyons. In fact, this plant does beautifully to fill that need as it requires little to no water once established, does not get overly tall, but will fill a large area of 8′ if given the opportunity, but it only will get at most a few feet high. In the heat of the summer it is gray and drab without water, but it lives and that counts for a lot in my book! In the winter/spring, it is dotted with pretty little yellow balls that are really flowers.
So why is this plant awesome? Because it is easy to grow if you are in it’s climate zone. I don’t not take that term lightly. It is perfect to cover a large area that you don’t want to fuss with much, ideally a hill that you want to look nice. It may (or may not) require a little water, sun, and possibly a yearly pruning to keep the size in check, but that really is it! While it it always smart to have a barrier between your home and plants, Coyote Brush is touted as fire resistant as well.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9 (with protection),10-11
Sunset Climate Zone: 5-11, 14-24 – find your zone
Sun: Full Sun
Water: Once established, only occasional water is required.
Size: Grow in height to about 18″ as a low mounding plant. It can take over an area (very slowly) if you let it. Do not plant unless you have at least 4 feet of space to give to it.
