Welcome to the Plant Pages, where you will find an introduction to 25 common plants of Upper Newport Bay. This is a product of a dedicated and talented volunteer, Don Millar, who photographed plants for over three years to capture the blooms and seeds during their season. The pictures and descriptions should help you recognize the plants you will encounter during restoration projects and on outings in this habitat. You can find a larger index of Upper Newport Bay plants by visiting the Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends website.

Right Column

Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia)

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.