Description

Mule fat grows near water throughout most of California. It grows as an expanding thicket of upright stems covered with large lance-shaped leaves. When not in flower one could easily think it was a low-growing willow. It is also called water wally. The white flowers appear throughout the year in small umbels. The flowers are quite attractive to a range of pollinators. The flowers mature to many cottony seeds. Like other members of the genus, mule fat is host to many insects. Obviously, it’s a great choice for supporting wildlife. Mule fat responds well to water and should be planted with this in mind. It may go deciduous if kept dry in the summer. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types and drainages.