Native Habitat:
Dry prairies, oak savannas, open grasslands, rocky slopes, and open woodland edges of western Oregon and northern California. It is particularly well adapted to the summer-dry prairie and oak habitats of the Willamette Valley, where it grows in full sun and well-drained soils.
Bloom Time:
May – July
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Long-lived perennial herb, typically 1–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide. Forms a basal clump of narrow, leathery, dark-green leaves. Strong flowering stems rise above the foliage and carry large, bright yellow, sunflower-like flower heads.
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; prefers well-drained, dry to moderately moist soils. Performs particularly well in clay, loam, gravelly, or rocky prairie soils and is highly tolerant of summer drought once established.
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Camassia leichtlinii
Carex tumulicola
Festuca idahoensis
Achillea millefolium
Eriophyllum lanatum
Sidalcea campestris
Urban Garden Function:
A strong structural perennial for Willamette Valley prairie gardens, native meadows, oak savannas, and drought-tolerant landscapes. Its bold yellow flowers provide a prominent summer focal point while the deep green basal foliage remains attractive outside the flowering period. Its drought tolerance makes it particularly valuable for low-irrigation urban landscapes.
Wildlife Supported:
The large flower heads attract native bees, including bumblebees, mining bees, and other solitary bees, as well as butterflies, flower flies, and beetles. The seeds are eaten by goldfinches and other seed-eating birds, while the foliage supports a range of herbivorous insects. These insects provide prey for spiders, predatory beetles, birds, and other insect-eating wildlife. Its large basal leaves also provide low cover for ground-dwelling invertebrates.
Historical Use:
Mule's ears species have been used by Indigenous peoples in different parts of the West for food and medicinal purposes, although documented uses vary by species and culture. Wyethia angustifolia is particularly important today as a component of remnant Willamette Valley prairie and oak savanna ecosystems and is widely valued for habitat restoration.
Seed Germination:
Collect mature seeds when the flower heads dry and the seeds become firm. Sow in fall for natural winter conditions, or provide 30–60 days of cold-moist stratification before spring sowing. Sow seeds approximately ¼ inch deep in a well-drained medium. Keep evenly moist during germination and provide bright light. Germination generally occurs at cool to moderate temperatures, approximately 50–65°F (10–18°C), but may be irregular. Once established, seedlings develop a substantial root system and should be transplanted carefully. Young plants benefit from regular moisture during their first year; afterward, gradually reduce irrigation to encourage adaptation to summer-dry prairie conditions.
