Mule's Fat

Baccharis viminea

Physical Characteristics

Baccharis viminea is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California to Mexico.

Habitats

Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked[257]. Roasted and eaten as a famine food when little else is available[257]. Seepwillow baccharis has little value as food. The shoots and leaves are acrid and unpleasant, containing sesquiterpene lactones and baccharis oils that can’t be removed by cooking. Native Americans along the lower Colorado and Gila rivers reportedly ate the young shoots and leaves only in times of famine, and also used the leaves medicinally[2-3]. Food Potential: Shoots and leaves: Bitter, resinous, adhesive-like flavor. Even young leaves taste unpleasant. Cooking doesn’t improve them. Small amounts may be tolerated, but larger servings can irritate the throat. Historical use: Emergency famine food and for medicine, not a regular dietary resource [2-3]. Foraging Notes: While easy to gather, seepwillow baccharis should be considered a last-resort wild food due to its acrid taste and irritant compounds. It’s best left alone unless no other options are available [2-3].

Medicinal Uses

Ophthalmic Skin Stings A decoction of the leaves and stems has been used as a female hygienic agent[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as an eyewash and has also been applied to bruises, wounds or insect stings[257].

Known Hazards

None known