| Plant: It is a large, straggly, perennial, riparian shrub with many loosely branched stems. The Mulefat got its name because mules would get fat by eating the leaves or perhaps because they became bloated from eating them. |  |
| Flowers: The flowers are actually a clustered head of many tiny flowers. The composite heads contain about 50 or more white flowers. Female and male flowers are found on different shrubs. |  
 |
| Leaf: The leaves are long and narrow (1-4 inches) with serrated edges. The leaves of Mulefat can be distinguished from that of the willow by three long veins. Branches are longitudinal grooved. |  |
| Flowering period: | April to October |
| Use by Indians: | Branches were used for fire sticks and arrows. |
| Can be found here: | Big Canyon, Back Bay Drive, Bayview Nature Trail, West Bluffs |
| Native Plant: Yes | Halophyte: No |
| Family Name: Sunflower |
|
|
Date: 10/17/2005
|