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Coast Fiddleneck

Amsinckia intermedia

Last reviewed: July 2026

Amsinckia intermedia (Coast Fiddleneck) is a native Idaho forb that blooms orange flowers from April through June. This drought-tolerant wildflower attracts bees and butterflies in full sun locations.

Coast Fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia)
Photo: Anne Burgess / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Coast Fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia) 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

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeSonoran Basin and Range

Amsinckia intermedia is a low-growing annual wildflower with small orange or yellow blooms that appear in spring and early summer. This native forb thrives in full sun with minimal water. It naturally reseeds and fills in open areas with its compact, spreading growth habit.

Growing Coast Fiddleneck

Grow Coast Fiddleneck in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Coast 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.

  • Annual growth pattern creates gaps and inconsistent coverage
  • Can appear weedy or unkempt to conventional gardeners
  • Small flowers and informal growth habit lack ornamental appeal

Wildlife value

Host plant for painted lady butterfly.

The flowers provide nectar for native bees and butterflies during the critical spring pollinator season. As an early bloomer, it offers important food sources when few other plants are flowering.

Common questions

When does Coast Fiddleneck bloom?
Amsinckia intermedia blooms from April through June, producing small orange flowers arranged along curved stems that resemble a fiddlehead.
What pollinators visit Coast Fiddleneck?
Coast Fiddleneck attracts bees and butterflies with its orange flowers. The plant serves as an important nectar source for native pollinators during spring and early summer.
Where is Amsinckia intermedia native?
Coast Fiddleneck is native to Idaho and other western states. It naturally occurs in dry, open areas and disturbed soils.
What growing conditions does Coast Fiddleneck prefer?
This native forb thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant landscaping and natural areas with minimal irrigation.
Is Coast Fiddleneck toxic to dogs?
Coast Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Coast Fiddleneck toxic to cats?
Coast Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Coast Fiddleneck HOA-friendly?
Coast 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 Coast Fiddleneck? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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