Mule's Fat (Baccharis viminea)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Baccharis viminea is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. Roasted and eaten as a famine food when little else is available. — Young shoots - cooked.; Roasted and eaten as a famine food when little else is available.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry stream beds, ditch banks etc, usually below 450 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)