About Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.
Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers. is a flowering shrub most commonly known by the common name mule fat; it is also referred to as seepwillow or water-wally. This species is native to the sage scrub community and desert southwest of the United States, northern Mexico, and parts of South America. It is a large bush with sticky foliage that produces many small, fuzzy flowers which may be pink, or red-tinged white. These flowers are highly attractive to butterflies. Baccharis salicifolia acts as a host plant for the larval stage of the fatal metalmark butterfly, and adult fatal metalmark butterflies also feed on nectar from the plant's flowers. Its leaves are long and pointed, may have toothed edges, and contain three lengthwise veins. The species is most commonly found growing near water sources, and its seeds are distributed by wind. The Kayenta Navajo people use this plant as part of a compound plant infusion, which is applied as a lotion for chills caused by immersion. This plant also has a use in fire starting. Dried Baccharis salicifolia has a very low ignition temperature, very similar to that of a dried yucca stalk. It can be used to make spindles and hand-drill shafts for fire starting.
