Narrow Leaf Mule Ears
Wyethia angustifolia
Narrow Leaf Mule Ears is a perennial herb growing from a tough taproot. The hairy stem, which stretches 30-90 cm tall, is surrounded by long, curving blade-shaped leaves up to 50 cm long. The bright-yellow flowers on top of the bright green fleshy stem are large, up to 3 cm in diameter, and sunflower-like. Each flower has up to 21 yellow petals, each of which is up to 4.5 cm long. Flowers may be solitary or come in bunches.
Basic Information
Member of the Asteraceae family
Perennial herb
This plant is winter dormant, dying back in the winter to regrow in the spring
Habitat
Native to the west coast of the United States from Washington to California
In California, this plant primarily grows from the Sierras to the coast in central and northern California
Commonly found in open habitats, such as meadows and grasslands
Ecological Role
Pollinators of all kinds, especially bumble bees and butterflies, love this plant
Birds eat the seeds, especially goldfinches
Reproduction
Blooms from April to July
Has bisexual flowers
Alternative Names
California Compassplant, Narrow-leaved Mule-ears
Historical Uses
The Ohlone used a poultice of the pounded root to draw blisters and treat lung issues
The Miwok used a decoction of the leaves as a bath to break fevers
Tribes such as the Pomo and the Ohlone used the seeds of this plant for pinole, a mixed seed and grain flour
The raw stems could also be a food source
Additional Information
A lemon-yellow dye can be made from the flowers and a brassy golden dye can be made from the flowers, leaves and stems
