Narrowleaf Mule-ears
Wyethia angustifolia
Last reviewed: September 2026
Wyethia angustifolia, or narrowleaf mule-ears, is a perennial forb with large yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom from May through July in dry grasslands and open woodlands along the Pacific Coast.
Narrowleaf Mule-ears (Wyethia angustifolia) 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
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
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This native perennial has large, bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom atop tall stems from late spring through summer. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves form a basal rosette, giving it a somewhat organized appearance when in bloom. The plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, requiring minimal water once established.
Growing Narrowleaf Mule-ears
Grow Narrowleaf Mule-ears in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Narrowleaf Mule-ears is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Can appear somewhat wild and informal when in full bloom
- Goes dormant in summer heat, potentially looking untidy
- Reseeds moderately; may spread beyond intended areas
Wildlife value
The showy yellow flowers are valuable nectar sources for native bees, butterflies, and beetles. Seeds also provide food for birds after the blooming period.
Common questions
- When does narrowleaf mule-ears bloom?
- It generally flowers from May through July, sending up bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms on hairy stems above narrow, lance-shaped leaves.
- What growing conditions suit narrowleaf mule-ears best?
- It does best in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water, matching the dry grasslands and open woodland edges where it is often found.
- Does narrowleaf mule-ears attract pollinators?
- Yes, its flowers draw bees, butterflies, and beetles, making it a useful nectar and pollen source in open grassland habitats during its spring and early summer bloom.
- Is narrowleaf mule-ears easy to grow in a home garden?
- It can be grown in gardens that mimic its natural dry, sunny grassland setting, but it generally needs well drained soil and minimal summer irrigation once established.
- Is Narrowleaf Mule-ears toxic to dogs?
- Narrowleaf Mule-ears is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Narrowleaf Mule-ears toxic to cats?
- Narrowleaf Mule-ears is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Narrowleaf Mule-ears HOA-friendly?
- Narrowleaf Mule-ears is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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
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