Borrichia frutescens, commonly known as sea ox-eye or bushy seaside tansy, is a semi-evergreen low growing shrub that grows into large colonies. The foliage is a beautiful gray-green, which provides a great contrast to the bright yellow sunflower or daisy-like flowers. Healthy plants can bloom and provide color year-round, particularly in mild winters. Flowers are a nectar source for bees and butterflies such as the great southern white (Ascia monuste), gulf fritillary (Agrualis vanillae), large orange sulfer (Phoebis argarithe), and southern broken-dash (Wallengrenia otho). The seeds provide food for birds and plants provide cover for small mammals and birds. Sea ox-eye can be an important part of coastal soil stabilization.
Sea ox-eye is found growing on beach dunes as well as salt and brackish marshes along the coast from Texas south to Florida and north to Virginia. Sea ox-eye is well adapted to salt spray and coastal inundation. While this species is not readily available from retail growers, even those specializing in native plants, it is grown easily from seed. Collect seed (with permission of course!) when the old flower heads have turned brown.
Additional information:
