I've never seen a Baccharis live in person, that I know of, but I don't live near the coast. Its in the Asteraceae, which is interesting, an aster that makes wood. Not a wimpy herbaceous thing.
Here's the Wiki -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baccharis_halimifolia
You got it. In the spring the flowers were just like the image in the wiki link you provided. Thank you
On a side note I was speaking with the homeowner, turns out this is the only landscape that survive during sandy. Her property was 4’ under water and all vegetation died, except this Bacchari.
As far as the bark, that was what initially drew me to the plant. When you inspect it closely, it is broken and split all over the place, yet life continues on.
Thanks again everyone for all your help in identifying.