Saltmarsh fleabane is a subshrub native to much of the southern US and South America that grows well in moist, saline soils. It has upright stalks with numerous pink or lavender flower heads in dense clusters in late summer through fall. Saltmarsh fleabane is well-suited for rain gardens, streams, and ponds due to its tolerance for regular water and alkaline soils. It provides habitat and food for birds and pollinators.

1. Saltmarsh Fleabane – Pluchea odorata ssp. odorata (PLOO-shuh oh-dor-AY-tuh)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Much of southern U.S. to S. America, Caribbeans. In CA, mostly w. of Sierras, but also in s.
desert areas; common in moist soil including saline valley bottoms, coastal salt marshes, freshwater
marshes, washes & riparian areas.
Growth characteristics: clumping sub-shrub mature height: 2-4 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft. Semi-
woody sub-shrub with faint camphor-like fragrance. Leaves rounded to lance-shaped, gland-dotted,
clustered towards the branch tips. Stress-deciduous (looses leaves in drought; cold); may be an annual
in colder climates. Plants have many, upright stalks. Spreads via rhizomes.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late summer through fall (July-Aug through Oct.). Flowers typical of
Sunflower family. Fragrant, pink/lavender flower heads are numerous in dense, flat-topped clusters at
ends of branches – quite showy and unique, especially in Fall. Seeds have fluffy bristles.
Uses in the garden: Excellent choice for moister areas of garden (rain gardens; swales; under birdbath;
etc). Fine along streams, near ponds. Does well in large containers, but will be smaller than in the
ground. Great fall habitat plant! Used medicinally in Caribbean countries. Crushed leaves serve as an
insect repellant.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native fall-blooming plants like chrysanthemums.
Attracts: Excellent bird & pollinator habitat. Provides cover and seeds for bird food. Native pollinators
love the nectar.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Quite adaptable; full sun to fairly shady
Soil Just about any except very coarse/rocky; alkaline and salty soils are fine
Water Prefers regular water but ok (will go dormant) with less summer water; Zone 2 to 3
Fertilizer Not needed, but not a problem; fertilize lightly if grown in container
Other
Management: Prune back in winter if leggy. Will spread via rhizomes, so may want to contain.
Propagation: from seed: direct seed in fall; may benefit from pre-chill by cuttings: probably
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 6, 10, 16, 20, 21 1/12/15
© Project SOUND

2. Pluchea odorata
Sweetscent