Baccharis
Scientific name: Baccharis trimera
☘️ Toxicity: Safe for cats
☀️ Ideal light: Full sun
💧 Watering: Low; drought-tolerant once established
Baccharis is a hardy, aromatic shrub native to Brazil, commonly used in traditional herbal teas. Adapted to hot and dry climates, it thrives in well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Perfect for low-maintenance gardens, it’s both resilient and safe for cats, bringing ecological value and native beauty to any space.
Essential care
- Light: Prefers full sun for at least 6 hours daily to maintain compact, healthy growth.
- Water: Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry between waterings once the plant is mature.
- Soil: Well-draining soil with low to moderate fertility; excessive nutrients may weaken its natural aroma and structure.
- Environment: Ideal for hot, dry regions; tolerates poor soil and wind exposure.
- Fertilization: Minimal — apply organic compost lightly once or twice a year.
- Maintenance: Prune annually to remove old stems and promote new growth after flowering.
Pests and diseases
- Fungal leaf spots: Rare, but may occur with poor drainage; treat with neem oil if needed.
- Leaf miners or small caterpillars: Remove manually; avoid chemical pesticides to protect pollinators.
- Weak growth: Often due to excess shade — ensure full sun exposure.
Propagation
- Seeds: The most common method — sow in sandy soil and keep lightly moist until germination.
- Cuttings: Take semi-woody cuttings during the warm season and root them in a light, well-draining substrate.
Cat safety
- Classification: Non-toxic to cats, as per ASPCA and Brazilian botanical references.
- Interaction: Cats tend to ignore it due to its bitter aroma, making it a great companion plant for mixed gardens.
- Extra benefit: Its small flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
💡 Native to the Cerrado and Caatinga regions of Brazil, Baccharis trimera is both a medicinal herb and an ecological gem — excellent for naturalistic and sustainable landscaping.
Quick checklist
- ☀️ Full sun exposure
- 💧 Low watering needs
- 🪴 Well-draining soil
- 🌾 Drought-tolerant
- 🐾 Safe for cats