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Common Fiddleneck

Amsinckia menziesii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Amsinckia menziesii is a native annual wildflower found across western states from California to Montana. This drought-tolerant forb blooms orange flowers from April through June, attracting bees and beetles.

Common Fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii)
Photo: (c) Mary K. Hanson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mary K. Hanson

Common Fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii) 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 × 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

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

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.

Growing Common Fiddleneck

Grow Common Fiddleneck in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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.

Common questions

When does Common Fiddleneck bloom?
Amsinckia menziesii typically blooms from April through June, producing clusters of small orange tubular flowers.
What pollinators visit Common Fiddleneck?
This native wildflower attracts bees and beetles, which are drawn to its orange flowers during the spring blooming period.
Where is Amsinckia menziesii native?
Common Fiddleneck is native to eleven western states including California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Massachusetts.
What growing conditions does Common Fiddleneck prefer?
Amsinckia menziesii thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-suited to drought-prone areas and xeriscaping.
Is Common Fiddleneck toxic to dogs?
Common Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Common Fiddleneck toxic to cats?
Common Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Common Fiddleneck HOA-friendly?
Common 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 Common Fiddleneck? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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