How much sun does Bristly Fiddleneck need?

Bristly Fiddleneck grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bristly Fiddleneck bloom?

Bristly Fiddleneck blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Bristly Fiddleneck native?

Bristly Fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata) is native to AZ, CA, ID, MO and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Bristly Fiddleneck attract?

Bristly Fiddleneck draws bees and butterflies.

Is Bristly Fiddleneck HOA-friendly?

Bristly Fiddleneck takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bristly Fiddleneck

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Amsinckia tessellata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Bristly Fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, ID, MO and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Sonoran Basin and Range

Bristly fiddleneck is a low-growing annual wildflower with small orange to yellow tubular flowers that bloom in spring. The plant has bristly, hairy leaves and stems that give it a somewhat rough texture. It thrives in dry, sunny locations and requires minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bristly Fiddleneck takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Has a distinctly wild, weedy appearance
Bristly texture and informal growth habit
Dies back completely after flowering, leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

This native annual provides important early season nectar for native bees and butterflies when few other flowers are available. The seeds also provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Bristly Fiddleneck need?: Bristly Fiddleneck grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bristly Fiddleneck bloom?: Bristly Fiddleneck blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Bristly Fiddleneck native?: Bristly Fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata) is native to AZ, CA, ID, MO and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Bristly Fiddleneck toxic to dogs?: Bristly Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Bristly Fiddleneck toxic to cats?: Bristly Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Bristly Fiddleneck attract?: Bristly Fiddleneck draws bees and butterflies.
Is Bristly Fiddleneck HOA-friendly?: Bristly Fiddleneck takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bristly Fiddleneck? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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