Bristly Fiddleneck
Amsinckia tessellata
Last reviewed: August 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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Bristly Fiddleneck? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.