Common Fiddleneck
Amsinckia menziesii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Common Fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, 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 × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, ID, MA and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Common fiddleneck is a low-growing annual wildflower with fuzzy leaves and small orange to yellow flowers that bloom in coiled clusters from April through June. This drought-tolerant plant grows 6 to 24 inches tall and thrives in full sun with minimal water. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one season and may self-seed under favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Common 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.
- Can appear weedy and unkempt
- May self-seed unpredictably as an annual
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the spring and early summer blooming period. This plant provides nectar and pollen for small pollinators when many other flowers are not yet available.
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.
Does Common Fiddleneck fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.