Mule Fat

Mule Fat (Baccharis salicifolia) is in the Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies family (Asteraceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 909 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in March.

Nationally it blooms mainly from January to April, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.

When to photograph Mule Fat: observations by month (U.S.)

About Mule Fat

Baccharis salicifolia is a blooming shrub native to the sage scrub community and desert southwest of the United States and northern Mexico, as well as parts of South America. Its usual common name is mule fat;:126 it is also called seepwillow or water-wally. This is a large bush with sticky foliage which bears plentiful small, fuzzy, pink or red-tinged white flowers which are highly attractive to butterflies. The long pointed leaves may be toothed and contain...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Mule Fat by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related wildflowers (Sunflowers, Daisies, Asters, and Allies)

black-eyed SusanRudbeckia hirta

Common YarrowAchillea millefolium

White SnakerootAgeratina altissima

ChicoryCichorium intybus

Lawn daisyBellis perennis

Philadelphia fleabaneErigeron philadelphicus

Pearly EverlastingAnaphalis margaritacea

Blue MistflowerConoclinium coelestinum

Photography tips

• Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
• Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
• Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
• Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.

FAQ