groundsel tree

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

5-12 ft. tall
4-7 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Drought, Occasional Flooding, Salt Exposure

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Semi-evergreen grey-green leaves. Simple, alternate arrangement. 1-3 inches long.

Flowers

Creamy-white color in the summer and fall.

Fruit

White fruit covered in cottony achene for wind dispersal.

Bark

Brown, can be brittle.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, Poorly Drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Saltmarsh, wet disturbed sites

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , LA , MA , MD , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OK , PA , RI , SC , TX , VA