Borrichia spp.: Seaside Tansy, Sea Oxeye Daisy

This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.

Introduction

Borrichia is a genus in the Aster family (Asteraceae), which contains two species, B. arborescens and B. frutescens, and some hybrids. The two species have a similar habitat, flower structures, and leaves, but differ slightly in their growth form. Borrichia, commonly referred to as seaside tansy, can reach a height of between 3 to 5 feet (Figure 1). B. frutescens is considered more of a perennial herb to shrub with an upright to sprawling growth habit and may reach a height up to 3 feet. B. arborescens, sometimes commonly referred to as tall sea oxeye, is more of an upright perennial, which may reach a height of 5 feet.

The leaves of this plant are fleshy, leathery, and gray-green in coloration (Figure 2). The daisy-like flowers have yellow disks that are larger than their yellow rays (Figure 3). Flowers are produced mostly in the spring, but some can be seen into the summer. It may also produce flowers sporadically throughout the year. This plant has fruits that are small, sharp, needle-like structures called cypselae (Figure 4). This Florida native plant is found in the salt marshes and tidal flats of coastal counties throughout the state. This plant is extremely salt tolerant. This plant may be used as a groundcover or planted en masse and is attractive to butterflies. This plant is well suited for use as a groundcover, in coastal landscaping or restoration, mixed wildflower beds, or as a border.

General Information

Scientific name: Borrichia spp.

Pronunciation: bor-RICK-ee-uh species

Common name(s): sea oxeye, sea oxeye daisy, seaside tansy

Family: Asteraceae

Plant type: shrub, groundcover

USDA hardiness zones: coastal areas of 8B through 11B (Figures 5 and 6)

Planting month for zone 9: year-round

Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round

Origin: native to Florida

Uses: mass planting; groundcover; attracts butterflies; coastal landscaping; restoration

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: 2 to 5 feet; dependent upon species selection

Spread: 2 to 3 feet; dependent upon species selection

Plant habit: upright; sprawling

Plant density: moderate

Growth rate: slow

Texture: medium

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: terminal spine

Leaf shape: obovate

Leaf venation: pinnate

Leaf type and persistence: evergreen

Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: no fall color change

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: yellow

Flower characteristic: spring flowering, summer flowering; sporadic year-round flowering

Fruit

Fruit shape: elongated

Fruit length: 1 to 3 inches

Fruit cover: dry or hard

Fruit color: brown

Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: not particularly showy; typically multi-trunked or clumping stems

Current year stem/twig color: gray/silver

Current year stem/twig thickness: medium

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in full sun

Soil tolerances: extended flooding; acidic; alkaline; sand

Drought tolerance: moderate

Soil salt tolerances: high

Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches

Other

Roots: usually not a problem

Winter interest: evergreen foliage; year-round flowering

Invasive potential: not known to be invasive

Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant

Use and Management

The sea oxeye daisy is native to saltwater wetlands in Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, and is commonly associated with mangrove communities. It fills swales and ditches on our barrier islands and will endure brackish conditions and diverse soils. It requires a position in the landscape that receives full sun and can survive the extremely dry conditions of winter and early spring. It should adapt to conditions in many landscapes, provided they are not irrigated regularly. This plant performs well as a low hedge or groundcover near the ocean. This plant takes shearing well and is often used in a garden as an edging along a sidewalk. This plant has a spreading growth habit and may form dense patches that may be trimmed if desired.

Propagation is by seed or cuttings.

Design Considerations

Sea oxeye daisy is an excellent choice for challenging spots, particularly in coastal landscapes where it serves as a tough, spreading groundcover. Its fibrous roots are fantastic for binding sand, making it effective on dunes and banks, especially when planted with a taller stabilizer like sea oats (Uniola paniculata). It thrives in full sun and is exceptionally tolerant of salt spray and drought, so it's ideal for seaside gardens, roadway medians, and other hot, dry areas with poor soil where less hardy plants might fail. Because it spreads aggressively by rhizomes, give ample space when planting. Ensure plants are back from narrow paths, as their branches can sprawl. To create a cohesive design, consider pairing it with dune sunflower (Helianthus debilis); this carries the yellow color palette to a different height and extends seasonal interest.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or disease issues of major concern.