How much sun does Whitehead mule-ears need?

Whitehead mule-ears grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Whitehead mule-ears bloom?

Whitehead mule-ears blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Whitehead mule-ears native?

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

What pollinators does Whitehead mule-ears attract?

Whitehead mule-ears draws bees and butterflies.

Whitehead mule-ears

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Wyethia helenioides

Last reviewed: September 2026

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

Toxicity unknown

Whitehead mule-ears (Wyethia helenioides) 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"–24" H × 18"–30" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Northwestern Forested Mountains

A bold perennial with large, soft gray-green leaves and big yellow daisy flowers on sturdy stems in spring. Its coarse-textured foliage can look weedy once flowering finishes and the leaves begin to decline in summer heat.

Growing Whitehead mule-ears

Grow Whitehead mule-ears in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 18 to 30 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The large, abundant spring flowers are a strong nectar source for bees and butterflies in open grassland settings.

Common questions

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

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