Where Did Groundsel Originate?

Baccharis halimifolia L. (Asteraceae), groundsel bush, is a broad-leaved shrub native to the coastal area of southeastern North America.

Can you eat groundsel?

Groundsel is LIKELY UNSAFE for anyone to take by mouth. There's a lot of concern about using groundsel as medicine, because it contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals may block blood flow in the veins, causing liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects.

What is groundsel good for?

Groundsel is a good food source for caterpillars of butterflies and moths and is one of only two plant species that provide food for cinnabar moth caterpillars.