The Colitas Plant, scientifically known as Baccharis salicifolia, is a versatile shrub. It is commonly referred to by other names such as Mule Fat, Seepwillow, or Water-wally. This plant is often found along waterways and in disturbed areas.
Identifying the Colitas Plant
Baccharis salicifolia is a semi-deciduous perennial shrub that grows between 3 to 12 feet tall and 3 to 9 feet wide, forming thickets with upright, spreading stems. Its leaves are a vibrant green, often sticky and resinous, with a lanceolate or willow-like shape, measuring 3 to 6 inches long. The plant produces small, inconspicuous, creamy-white flowers, sometimes tinged with pink or red, that bloom in dense terminal clusters almost year-round. These fuzzy flowers develop into fluffy, dandelion-like seed heads, dispersed by wind.
This shrub is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah, extending south through Mexico and Central America into parts of South America. It thrives in moist, riparian areas such as streambanks, dry washes, sandy floodplains, and disturbed sites like ditches. While it often grows alongside willows, it is not a member of the willow family but rather belongs to the Asteraceae (sunflower) family.
Ecological Role and Traditional Uses
The Colitas Plant stabilizes soil along waterways with its extensive root system. It provides cover and food for various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Its numerous flowers serve as a nectar source for butterflies and a pollen source for bees and other beneficial insects, making it a significant pollinator attractor.
Historically, indigenous communities used Baccharis salicifolia for many purposes. Medicinally, decoctions of leaves and stems aided skin, hair, and eye health, and served as a female hygienic agent. It was also used for pain, inflammation, colds, and coughs. Branches were used for basketry and hand fire-drills due to their low ignition temperature.
Growing and Maintaining Colitas
Cultivating Baccharis salicifolia is straightforward due to its resilience. It prefers well-draining soils, accommodating a range of types including loam, sand, rocky, clay, or average soils, with a pH tolerance from acidic to alkaline. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions.
While drought-tolerant once established, consistent moisture, such as watering every 1-2 weeks, helps maintain its appearance, especially during dry seasons. Propagation is possible via seeds or summer cuttings. Regular pruning maintains shape and promotes fresh growth; it can be cut back significantly if overgrown.