Baccharis pilularis 'Pigeon Point' (Dwarf Coyote Brush) - A low growing groundcover shrub to 1 to 2 feet tall by about 8 feet wide with light green rounded leaves that while small, are larger and lighter colored than the typical species and other cultivars. It is a male flower selection so does not get the fluffy seed heads that are somewhat attractive are also a bit of a nuisance.
Plant in full sun. Once established can get by with little summer water in coastal plantings and a monthly irrigation inland but can looks better, grows faster and stays healthier with at least occasional summer irrigation. It is best planted in a well-draining situation but is tolerant of a wide range of soil types including alkaline, sandy and clay is cold hardy to around 10° F. Tolerant of coastal conditions and inland heat and deer tend to leave this plant alone. Plant about 6 to 8 feet apart for a solid cover within two to four years and if planted tighter will bulk up to make a taller planting. In late winter it can be sheared to make denser or be coppiced hard to renew an older planting. Keep an eye out for spider mite infestations which can cause leaf drop and a periodic overhead spray to wash dust from the leaf surfaces might help with this pest and will make a planting look fresher as well. One can anticipate having plantings of this cultivar remain attractive for at least 10 years and longer if rejuvenated. We consider this to be the best and most reliable Dwarf Coyote Brush for slope stabilization, erosion control and as a groundcover in the landscape and remains lower and with rounder larger leaves than 'Twin Peaks' (#1 or #2).
Baccharis pilularis is native to dunes, bluffs, dry slopes and open woods below 2,500 ft from Baja California to the Oregon coast. The name for the genus is thought to be derived from Bacchus (Dionysus), the Roman god of wine though Carl Linnaeus did not explain the derivation of this name which was published in his Species Plantarum in 1753. The specific epithet comes from the Latin word 'pilula' which means "a little ball" in reference to the flower buds. This plant was a selection made at Pigeon Point along the coast between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County and was thought to be originally collected by James Roof and planted in Ken Taylor's garden. It was introduced into the nursery trade by Nevin Smith (then at Skylark Nursery) and Ken Taylor in 1975.
The information about Baccharis pilularis 'Pigeon Point' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |