Origin and Common Names
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea (DC.) Kuntze, commonly known as Coyote Brush, is a species of shrub in the Asteraceae family. It is native to the western United States, including California, Oregon, and Nevada. Coyote Brush is a common plant found in chaparral, grassland, and coastal sage scrub habitats.
Appearance
The shrub typically grows up to 3-6 feet tall, and can spread up to 6-12 feet wide. It has a dense, bushy appearance, with many branches and small, dark green leaves that are about 1-2 inches long. The plant has small, inconspicuous flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers are yellow-green, and female plants produce small, white, cotton-like seeds that can be dispersed by the wind.
Uses
Coyote Brush has a variety of uses. Historically, indigenous people used the plant for basket weaving, and as a medicinal plant to treat ailments such as colds and skin disorders. The roots of the plant have also been used to make a tea that is believed to have relaxing properties. Coyote Brush is also used in landscaping, as it is drought-tolerant and provides year-round greenery. The plant is also important for wildlife, as it provides food and shelter for a variety of animals, including coyotes, rabbits, and birds.
Light Requirements
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea (DC.) Kuntze generally prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant thrives well in open areas with plenty of sunlight. However, it can also grow under partial shade, but this may cause leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to California and generally thrives in a Mediterranean climate. It prefers mild temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. It can also tolerate high temperatures up to 100°F. Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea (DC.) Kuntze is generally hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures as well, ranging from 10°F to 20°F.
Soil Requirements
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea (DC.) Kuntze prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The plant can grow in a wide range of soils such as sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. However, it does not grow well in waterlogged or heavy clay soils. This plant is highly drought tolerant but performs better with occasional watering.
Cultivation
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea (DC.) Kuntze, also known as Coyote Bush, can be cultivated in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral in pH and full sun exposure.
However, it can also tolerate partial shade, but it may become leggy and weak in such conditions. With proper care and attention, it can grow up to six feet tall and can spread up to fifteen feet wide, serving as an excellent ground cover plant.
Watering Needs
During the establishment period, Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea requires regular watering to help develop a deep root system. After the plant's root system has been established, reduce watering slowly, ensuring the soil does not dry out completely. Watering once every two weeks, depending on local weather conditions, is usually sufficient.
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea is highly drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods without watering once the establishment period is complete.
Fertilization
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea does not require too much fertilizer, but feeding it a slow-release fertilizer, low in nitrogen, during the growing season can promote healthier growth.
Alternatively, you can apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to enrich the soil and provide the plant with essential nutrients and conserve the moisture levels.
Pruning
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea does not require any excessive pruning. However, removing the dead and damaged branches in early spring promotes healthier and bushier growth.
If you want to maintain the plant's shape, pruning once or twice a year, preferably in the late winter or early spring, helps keep the plant tidy.
When pruning, ensure that you use sharp and sterilized pruning shears to avoid damaging or infecting the plant.
Propagation of Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea (DC.) Kuntze
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea (DC.) Kuntze can be propagated through several methods:
Seeds
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea (DC.) Kuntze's seeds can be collected from the plant once they have matured. After collecting, the seeds should be dried for a day or two and then sown in well-drained soil. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil where they are expected to grow or in pots or trays where they can be nurtured and then transplanted. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil, watered gently, and placed in a location with bright but indirect sunlight. They typically germinate within 1-2 weeks.
Cuttings
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea (DC.) Kuntze can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from a mature plant in the spring, with each cutting being approximately 3-4 inches long and containing a few nodes. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Then, place the cutting into a container with well-draining soil, gently water it, and cover it with a plastic bag to maintain humidity levels. Place the container in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil constantly moist, and once the cutting has rooted, which takes about 4-6 weeks, the plastic bag can be removed, and the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Division
Propagation of Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea (DC.) Kuntze can also be achieved through division. This is typically done in the early spring or fall. The plant can be lifted from the soil, being sure to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. The rootball can then be divided into smaller sections with a sharp, clean tool, making sure that each section has healthy roots and shoots. The new plants can then be replanted in well-draining soil in their permanent location.
Disease Management for Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, some common diseases that can affect it are powdery mildew, rust, and root rot.
Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease characterized by a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, apply fungicides recommended for powdery mildew control on the affected parts or the entire plant. Improve air circulation and avoid watering the plant overhead to reduce humidity levels.
Rust: This is a fungal disease characterized by yellow, rust-colored spots on the leaves. Rust can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases and pests. To manage rust, prune out the affected leaves and improve air circulation. Apply fungicides as recommended by a specialist to prevent further infection.
Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of plants. It causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and wilting. To manage root rot, remove the affected plant and its roots. Treat the soil with fungicides and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management for Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea
Baccharis pilularis DC. var. consanguinea is also resistant to most pests. However, some common pests that can affect it are aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and wilting. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and spray the plant regularly. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can help control their population.
Whiteflies: These are small, white, flying insects that are often found under the leaves of the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing of the leaves. To manage whiteflies, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and spray the plant regularly. Encourage the presence of natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Spider mites: These are small insects that often appear as tiny dots on the leaves of the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and spray the plant regularly. Increase humidity by spraying water on the plant to discourage spider mite infestation.
