How much sun does Rough Fiddleneck need?

Rough Fiddleneck grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Rough Fiddleneck bloom?

Rough Fiddleneck blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Rough Fiddleneck native?

Rough Fiddleneck (Amsinckia retrorsa) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Rough Fiddleneck attract?

Rough Fiddleneck draws bees and butterflies.

Is Rough Fiddleneck HOA-friendly?

Rough Fiddleneck takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Rough Fiddleneck

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Amsinckia retrorsa

Last reviewed: July 2026

Rough Fiddleneck (Amsinckia retrorsa) 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 2 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range

Rigid fiddleneck is a native annual wildflower that produces small orange to yellow tubular flowers along curved stems. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in poor soils and creates colorful spring displays before dying back in summer heat.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rough 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
Annual habit creates gaps after plants die
Rough, hairy foliage looks unkempt

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract native bees and provide nectar for butterflies during spring blooming season. Seeds also support small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Rough Fiddleneck need?: Rough Fiddleneck grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Rough Fiddleneck bloom?: Rough Fiddleneck blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Rough Fiddleneck native?: Rough Fiddleneck (Amsinckia retrorsa) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Rough Fiddleneck toxic to dogs?: Rough Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Rough Fiddleneck toxic to cats?: Rough Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Rough Fiddleneck attract?: Rough Fiddleneck draws bees and butterflies.
Is Rough Fiddleneck HOA-friendly?: Rough 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 Rough Fiddleneck? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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