How much sun does Mulefat need?

Mulefat grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Mulefat bloom?

Mulefat blooms in March, April, May, September, and October.

Where is Mulefat native?

Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Mulefat attract?

Mulefat draws butterflies, bees, and flies.

Mulefat

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Baccharis salicifolia

Last reviewed: November 2026

Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states. It blooms in March, April, May, September, and October. The flowers draw butterflies, bees, and flies.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Mulefat, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

72"–144" H × 72"–120" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Mulefat.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Mule fat is a fast-growing, willow-leaved shrub with narrow evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage and clusters of small white to cream flower heads. It colonizes streambanks and seasonally wet drainages, often forming loose thickets.

Growing Mulefat

Grow Mulefat in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 144 inches tall and spread 72 to 120 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The flowers are a magnet for a wide range of butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects, and dense stands provide cover for small birds along waterways.

Common questions

How much sun does Mulefat need?: Mulefat grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Mulefat bloom?: Mulefat blooms in March, April, May, September, and October.
Where is Mulefat native?: Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Mulefat attract?: Mulefat draws butterflies, bees, and flies.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Mulefat? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app