MULEFAT
Baccharis salicifolia
A plant species that grows in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, it is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 12 feet high, with bright green, long leaves, and pink or white small clustered flowers that bloom almost all year round. It is commonly found in areas with moist soil, like streams and springs, and can withstand some established droughts. Mulefat is valuable for its ability to stabilize the soil, prevent erosion with its deep roots, and thrive in wet soil. The California Native Plant Society uses Mulefat in riverfront restoration projects to help restore degraded streams and river habitats where erosion can be a serious problem.
Mulefat is an important plant for wild animals because it provides food and shelter for various species such as butterflies and bees. Its seeds are eaten by birds, while its leaves and stems provide cover for small mammals, birds, and insects.
1. ‘Plant of this week; Mulefat’,United States Department of Agriculture. https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/Baccharis-salicifolia.shtml
2. ‘Mulefat; Baccharis salicifolia’, California native plant society. https://calscape.org/Baccharis-salicifolia-(Mulefat)
