Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Baccharis glutinosa, Baccharis viminea, Molina salicifolia
Other common names
mule fat
seepwillow
rosin brush
water-willow
Plant type
Shrubs
Riparian
Yes
Plant Description
Origin
Native
A willow-like, thicket-forming shrub, with rich-green, semi-deciduous foliage. Leaves have a distinctive odor. Controls river erosion by forming dense stands along waterways.
Leaves gland-dotted, willow-like, margins often finely serrate, can be smooth, less than 1/4 inch wide, usually present at flowering. Flower heads unisexual, disc flowers only, arranged in terminal, flat-topped clusters. Stems woody.
Height
3 to 10 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Along streams and drainages.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
4000
Leaves
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Evergreen
Leaves are up to 6 inches long and 1/2 inch wide and are shiny, waxy and sticky, sessile or short-stemmed.
Flowers
Flower color
Whitish, yellowish
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
July
Flower heads unisexual, disc flowers only, in terminal, flat-topped clusters; bracts surrounding the flower heads are reddish or green in the center with green or brownish purple tips; female flowers whitish, male flowers whitish to yellowish.
Flower clusters
Rounded
Fruit
Fruit color
White
Fruit type
Achene
Seeds are fluffy with feathery, white bristles (modified calyx of the disk flowers) that stay attached to the seed.