Mule's Fat
Baccharis viminea
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Pl. B72C — Baccharis viminea
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IOverview
Overview
Mule's Fat (Baccharis viminea) is a shrub known for its light and moisture preferences, thriving in full sun with dry to moist conditions. Native to regions including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and the United States, it can be found from Utah and Nevada through Texas and into parts of California. This plant is notable for being both edible and ornamental, with its leaves and shoots serving as consumable parts. One distinctive feature of Mule's Fat is its ability to grow in a variety of soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and it can reach heights of up to 4 meters. Its adaptability makes it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Mule's Fat?
Mule's Fat (Baccharis viminea) is a shrub known for its light and moisture preferences, thriving in full sun with dry to moist conditions. Native to regions including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and the United States, it can be found from Utah and Nevada through Texas and into parts of California.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mule's Fat thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. This plant is hardy in zones 7-10 and grows up to 4 meters tall. For propagation, gardeners may use cuttings from the leaves and shoots.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mule's Fat for the first time
8steps
Start with Mule's Fat by planting it in a sunny spot and providing minimal care.
- 1
What you'll need
A healthy Mule's Fat plant or seeds, suitable soil, and containers if needed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Mule's Fat in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining. For containers, use a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging. Keep the area weed-free and monitor for pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, minimal watering, and occasional pruning to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting pruning, using incorrect soil types, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Mule's Fat can be eaten. Typically, they are used fresh in salads or prepared as a potherb by boiling. Skip the details on specific recipes since none were provided.
Other uses:HairErosion controlGround cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 29 native· 1 introduced
Americas7 regions
native (7)BoliviaColombiaEcuadorParaguayPeruUruguayVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Mexico Northeast, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arizona, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, California, Chile Central, Chile North, Chile South, Colorado, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northwest, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Mexico Southwest
introduced:Western Australia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · b72cd3c3-94f2-4066-b479-a1947c2fceb3
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