Hammock groundsel, Broombush Falsewillow
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Baccharis dioica
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Asteraceae
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Landscape Uses:
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Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations. It can also be used as an accent shrub in moist sunny areas. It is also useful in buffer plantings. |
Ecological Restoration Notes: |
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Extirpated in South Florida. Recommended for reintroduction. |
Availability: |
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Grown by one or two native plant nurseries in South Florida. |
Description: |
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Medium bushy shrub. |
Height: |
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Typically 3-6 feet in height. |
Growth Rate: |
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Fast. |
Range: |
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South Florida, West Indies and Mexico (Yucatan peninsula); in South Florida historically known only from the Brickell Hammock area near modern-day downtown Miami. |
Habitats: |
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Hammock edges and thickets. |
Soils: |
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Moist, well-drained limestone soils, with or without humus. |
Nutritional Requirements: |
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Moist, well-drained limestone soils, with or without humusy top layer. |
Salt Water Tolerance: |
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Low; does not tolerate flooding by salt or brackish water. |
Salt Wind Tolerance: |
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High; can tolerate moderate amounts of salt wind without significant injury. |
Drought Tolerance: |
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High; does not require any supplemental water once established. |
Light Requirements: |
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Full sun. |
Flower Color: |
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White |
Flower Characteristics: |
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Semi-showy heads; fragrant. |
Flowering Season: |
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Fall. |
Fruit: |
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Inconspicuous achene, but fruiting masses can be semi-showy. |
Wildlife and Ecology: |
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Provides some food and significant cover for wildlife. Nectar from the male flowers attacts pollinators and the seeds are dispersed by wind. |
Horticultural Notes: |
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Presumably can be grown from seed and cuttings. |
Comments: |
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George D. Gann In habitat on Great Abaco, Bahamas
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George D. Gann In habitat, New Providence, Bahamas, 2012
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