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Mule Fat

Baccharis salicifolia

true

1 gallon

Mule Fat

In stock

6-12'x3-9'

Sizes:

Mule Fat – Baccharis salicifolia
Also known as: Seepwillow; Water-wally

Mule Fat is a fast-growing, thicket-forming shrub native to the desert Southwest of the United States, northern Mexico, and parts of South America. It is most often found in riparian habitats and other moist environments, though it can tolerate periods of drought once established. In the low desert and foothill regions, it grows where seasonal water collects—such as arroyos, drainages, or near seeps.

This large shrub can reach 6 to 10 feet tall and just as wide, with willow-like, rich green leaves that may be toothed. The foliage is resinous and often sticky to the touch. From spring through fall—and even into winter in mild climates—it bears small, fuzzy flower heads in pale pink to red-tinged white, offering a steady nectar source to butterflies and a dependable pollen supply to bees.

Mule Fat is a favorite in pollinator gardens where moisture is naturally available or where supplemental irrigation can be provided. While it is drought tolerant once established, the plant will look stressed and weedy without regular water. When it becomes rangy, it can be cut back to within a few inches of the base to rejuvenate fresh growth. Mule Fat is also valued for erosion control, slope stabilization, and as a fast-growing screen or windbreak.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon); Numerous moth species
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus); Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor); Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus); Leda Ministreak (Ministrymon leda); Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus); Palmer's Metalmark (Apodemia palmeri); Henne's Variable Checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona hennei); Quino Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha quino); Sleepy Duskywing (Erynnis brizo); Propertius Duskywing (Erynnis propertius); and others
Bird Resources: Nesting habitat; Insects; Shelter
Bird Species: Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia); Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas); Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia); Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans); California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)

Bees: Frequently visited by native solitary bees and honeybees (Apis mellifera); pollen is an important resource

Other Wildlife: Mule Fat thickets provide valuable shelter for small mammals and reptiles in riparian corridors.

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

6-12'x3-9'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Pink; White; Yellow

Flower season:

Year-Round

Pruning:

If can be cut down to just a few inches above the ground if it's looking dead and weedy, and will grow back nicely.

Cold Hardiness:

15 degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.