Wyethia angustifolia (Narrow Leaf Mule Ears)

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Wyethia spp.

mule's ears

Asteraceae Western North America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 4–8

Overview

Wyethia spp. is a genus of about 14 species of perennial herbs in the family Asteraceae, native to western North America. Known as mule's ears for their large, smooth or hairy basal leaves, plants grow 8 in to 3 ft (20-90 cm) tall from a thick, woody taproot. The leaves are 8-24 in (20-60 cm) long, lance- to elliptic-shaped, and clustered near the base. Stout stems carry one to several sunflower-like heads 2-4 in (5-10 cm) across, with golden-yellow ray florets around a yellow disc. Plants grow on dry slopes, sagebrush flats, meadows, and open woodland, often forming large colonies that bloom together in late spring and early summer. The deep taproot lets them survive drought and resprout each year, and they go dormant by late summer. Plants are slow to establish from seed and establish poorly after transplanting once the taproot forms. Foliage is grazed by livestock and wildlife in some areas.

Native Range

Wyethia spp. is native to western North America, from British Columbia and Montana south to California and the Rocky Mountain states. Plants grow in dry foothills, sagebrush steppe, mountain meadows, and open coniferous woodland. Several species are restricted to particular western mountain ranges.

Suggested Uses

Grown in native plant gardens, dryland meadows, and restoration plantings across the western United States. The early-summer flowers draw native bees and butterflies. Plants suit sunny, well-drained banks and naturalized slopes where summer dormancy is acceptable.

How to Identify

Look for large, paddle-shaped basal leaves like mule's ears and stout stems bearing big yellow sunflower-like heads. The leaves are often glossy or resinous and clustered at the base, with smaller leaves up the stem. The deep taproot and clumped, colony-forming habit on dry western slopes help identify the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer, generally May to July, often with whole colonies blooming at once. The heads open over a few weeks before plants set seed and go dormant. Bloom comes earlier at low elevation and later in the mountains.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun and deep, well-drained soil with a pH near 6.0 to 7.5, tolerating drought, heat, and lean ground once established. They are grown from seed sown in autumn, since the taproot establishes poorly after transplanting. Watering is minimal, as the deep root reaches summer moisture and the plants go dormant in dry heat. Rich, wet soil shortens their life and invites rot. Plants are slow to reach flowering size, often taking several years.

Pruning

Spent flower heads are removed to limit self-seeding or left to ripen for seed and wildlife. Withered foliage is cleared once plants go dormant in late summer. Plants are otherwise left undisturbed, as the taproot does not divide well.