Baccharis salicifolia (Mule Fat)

Native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, Baccharis salicifolia (Mule Fat) is a large semi-evergreen shrub with erect to slightly arching stems clad with sticky resinous, rich-green leaves that look similar to willow leaves. Blooming almost year-round, a profusion of small, creamy-white fuzzy flowers, tinged with pink or red, are borne in terminal, flat-topped clusters. Butterflies use the blossoms as a nectar source while bees collect pollen from the flowers. Since Mule Fat blooms nearly year-round it makes a great addition to a garden if you are hoping to attract pollinators. Tough, easy to grow, drought tolerant, Mule Fat is a thicket-forming shrub. It is a useful plant for a screen, windbreak, or slope stabilization. The common name, Mule Fat, comes from the gold mining days when prospectors and cowboys would tie their mules to the shrub to browse.

• Grows up to 6-12 ft. tall (180-360 cm) and 3-9 ft. wide (90-270 cm).
• Thrives in mesic, sandy soils in full sun. This plant requires some water to look great. Although drought tolerant, it will look weedy and unattractive without enough water.
• Excellent for banks and slopes (erosion control), as a privacy hedge or windbreak.
• Generally pest and disease free.
• Prune to shape and improve appearance.
• Propagate by seed or by taking cuttings in summer.
• Native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States.