How much sun does Smooth mule ears need?

Smooth mule ears grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Smooth mule ears bloom?

Smooth mule ears blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Smooth mule ears native?

Smooth mule ears (Wyethia glabra) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Smooth mule ears attract?

Smooth mule ears draws bees and butterflies.

Smooth mule ears

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Wyethia glabra

Last reviewed: October 2026

Smooth mule ears (Wyethia glabra) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Smooth mule ears (Wyethia glabra) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–30" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains

Perennial with large, smooth, glossy elongated leaves rising from a woody base and tall stalks topped by big yellow daisy-like flowers in late spring, growing on dry rocky slopes and open woodlands.

Growing Smooth mule ears

Grow Smooth mule ears in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Large showy flowers are a strong nectar source for native bees and butterflies in spring.

Common questions

How much sun does Smooth mule ears need?: Smooth mule ears grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Smooth mule ears bloom?: Smooth mule ears blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Smooth mule ears native?: Smooth mule ears (Wyethia glabra) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Smooth mule ears attract?: Smooth mule ears draws bees and butterflies.

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.

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