Scarce Fiddleneck
Amsinckia lycopsoides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Amsinckia lycopsoides (Scarce Fiddleneck) is a native forb found across western North America from California to Montana. This drought-tolerant wildflower blooms May through July with small blue flowers that attract bees and beetles.
Scarce Fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides) 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.
Scarce Fiddleneck is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a severe level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, ID, MA, MT and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Amsinckia lycopsoides is a small annual wildflower that produces clusters of tiny yellow or orange flowers from May through July. This low-water plant grows 12-24 inches tall with a compact spread, thriving in full sun conditions. As an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season.
Growing Scarce Fiddleneck
Grow Scarce Fiddleneck in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 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
Scarce 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 inconsistent appearance
- Can look weedy or sparse when establishing
- May self-seed unpredictably
Wildlife value
This plant provides nectar and pollen for bees and beetles during its spring and summer blooming period. The flowers offer an important food source for pollinators during the active growing months.
Common questions
- When does Amsinckia lycopsoides bloom?
- Scarce Fiddleneck blooms from May through July, producing small blue flowers during the late spring and early summer months.
- What pollinators visit Amsinckia lycopsoides?
- Scarce Fiddleneck attracts bees and beetles as its primary pollinators during its blooming period.
- Where is Amsinckia lycopsoides native?
- Scarce Fiddleneck is native to California, Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, with its primary range in western North America.
- What growing conditions does Amsinckia lycopsoides prefer?
- Scarce Fiddleneck thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-adapted to dry conditions typical of western landscapes.
- Is Scarce Fiddleneck toxic to dogs?
- Scarce Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Scarce Fiddleneck toxic to cats?
- Scarce Fiddleneck is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Scarce Fiddleneck toxic to livestock?
- Scarce Fiddleneck is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (severe severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Scarce Fiddleneck HOA-friendly?
- Scarce 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 Scarce Fiddleneck? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.