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Borrichia spp.
sea oxeye
Coastal southeastern US, Caribbean, and tropical America
Overview
Borrichia is a small genus of salt-tolerant subshrubs in the aster family (Asteraceae), native to coastal areas of the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. The most common species, Borrichia frutescens, called sea oxeye or bushy seaside tansy, forms spreading colonies 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 m) tall by rhizomes. The opposite leaves are thick, fleshy, grey-green, and covered in dense short hairs that reduce water loss and tolerate salt spray. From spring through autumn, the stems carry solitary yellow flower heads about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, with yellow rays around a darker central disk rimmed by stiff, spine-tipped bracts. Borrichia grows in salt marshes, mangrove edges, dunes, and other saline coastal ground in full sun. It tolerates salt, wind, sandy soil, and periodic flooding by tidewater. The spreading rhizomes stabilise sandy and muddy shores, though in confined gardens the colony-forming habit can spread beyond its intended space.
Native Range
Native to coastal regions of the southeastern United States, from Virginia around the Gulf to Texas, and through the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. Plants grow in salt marshes, mangrove margins, and coastal dunes.Suggested Uses
Grown in coastal and seaside gardens, dune stabilisation, and salt-marsh restoration, where few other flowering plants tolerate the salt and wind. The spreading colonies hold sandy soil and give nectar to coastal pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Borrichia grows in full sun on sandy, saline, or brackish soils and tolerates salt spray, wind, drought, and tidal flooding. It needs sharp drainage and grows poorly in rich, shaded, or constantly freshwater sites. Plants spread by rhizomes to form colonies and may need containment in small gardens. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or division of rooted runners. Little feeding is needed in its lean coastal soils.Pruning
Plants are cut back in late winter or early spring to remove old growth and keep the habit dense. Spreading rhizomes are dug out to limit the colony. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons