California Coastal Commission, Public Education Program, Upper Newport Bay Plants

Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia)

Plant: It is a large, straggly, perennial, riparian shrub with many loosely branched stems. The Mulefat got its name because mules would get fat by eating the leaves or perhaps because they became bloated from eating them.
Flowers: The flowers are actually a clustered head of many tiny flowers. The composite heads contain about 50 or more white flowers. Female and male flowers are found on different shrubs.
Leaf: The leaves are long and narrow (1-4 inches) with serrated edges. The leaves of Mulefat can be distinguished from that of the willow by three long veins. Branches are longitudinal grooved.