Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Baccharis halimifolia L., Sp. Pl. 860–861 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Baccharis; Cotton-seed tree; Groundsel bush; Groundsel tree
 Description

Glabrous, much-branched shrub up to c. 4 m tall. Stems ribbed, mealy when young, becoming glabrous. Lvs obovate-oblong to oblong-elliptic, apetiolate and cuneate, obtuse to subacute, coriaceous, remotely serrate or crenate, mealy when young, becoming glabrous, puncticulate, (10)–15–30–(40) × (5)–7–10–(15) mm; lvs subtending glomerules smaller, often elliptic and entire. Capitula 3–5 mm diam. at anthesis, ± sessile in axillary and terminal glomerules of 2–20, fewer and sometimes solitary in ♀ plants. Inner involucral bracts elliptic-oblong, glabrous, green with pale membranous margin, glabrous, 3–4.5 mm long; outer bracts ± orbicular, mealy, c. 2 mm long. Corolla of ♂ florets cream, of ♀ florets inconspicuous and exceeded by pappus. Achenes obovoid, terete, 10-ribbed, glabrous; pappus minutely denticulate.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Feb.–May.

 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Biosecurity New Zealand 4 Aug 2011: Unwanted Organisms Register. http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/registers/uor
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Ministry for Primary Industries 23 Feb 2017: Unwanted Organisms Register. Version 02.01.02. https://www1.maf.govt.nz/uor