Photo of Wyethia angustifolia flower by The Watershed Nursery

Photo by The Watershed Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Wyethia angustifolia

Also Known As

  • Wyetha angustifolia
  • MULE EARS
  • Narrowleaf Mule Ears

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 6"-12"
  • W: 9"-18"

planting zones

  • 3b-11

More Options

Wyethia angustifolia plant details

Wyethia angustifolia is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Wyethia angustifolia

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 9 IN - 18 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Wyethia angustifolia

USDA Zones: 3b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This lovely perennial is also called 'California Compass Plant' due to a belief that its leaves point in a north-south direction. Clusters of mule ears can be found in meadows and moist hillsides and also in dry, open slopes from southern Washington and the Columbia River Gorge through Oregon and into central California. Plentiful, single, bright-yellow flower heads on 3' stalks bloom above the distinctive 16" clumps of long lanceolate leaves, which are usually entire and quite thin. This attractive drought tolerant flower can be used easily in almost any garden; it flourishes in sandy to loamy, well-drained soils. S/M-D/GDR
A compact perennial that grows to 1 ft. tall with 3" yellow flowers. Dies to the ground each winter, comes back in the spring with strap-like green leaves. Found on grassy hillsides making a dramatic springtime flower display. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Provides nectar and supports the endangered Fenders Blue Butterfly. Decoction of leaves used as a bath for fever and produced perspiration. Found in grows in grassland, meadows, and other open habitats. Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland. Between 0 and 5500 feet.

Gardening facts about Wyethia angustifolia plant

How to Grow Wyethia angustifolia

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

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