Silverling is a native shrub in the daisy family* (*Asteraceae) found in mostly coastal areas of the eastern US, Canada and Mexico. It is commonly found in salt marshes, sandy locations, wet disturbed sites, near a road or in fields. The genus *Baccharis *is named after the god of wine, and the species epithet is Latin and means "having leaves like Halimium." Halimium is a synonym for the genus Cistus, which has resinous leaves, as does silvering.

This plant is commonly seen as a multi-trunked plant with an irregular, open, airy habit that can become leggy. It will grow 5 to 12 feet tall with a 4 to 7-foot spread. As a seedling, silverling resembles lambsquarters (Chenopodium album). Plant in full sun to partial shade in a range of soil types, including infertile and wet sites. It is heat-, drought- and salt water-tolerant. Silverling can be an aggressive spreader and is considered weedy, especially in agricultural areas.

Plants are covered with white to cream-colored flower heads in fall and winter. The showy seedheads that follow are frilly, white and dispersed by the wind on female plants. Silverling is dioecious, meaning a male and female plant is needed for fruit set.

Hand weeding is the best way to control the spread of seedlings. Herbicides are not very effective.

This shrub can be used in rain gardens, bog gardens, along ditches, ponds and streams or in naturalized areas.

**Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: ** No significant problems. Weak wood is easily broken. Toxic to cattle if eaten in large quantities.