Woolly Mule-Ears
Wyethia mollis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Woolly Mule-Ears (Wyethia mollis) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Woolly Mule-Ears as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, NV, OR
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Wyethia mollis, commonly known as Woolly Mule Ears, is a native perennial wildflower with large, silvery-green fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers. It blooms from May to July and grows in a compact mound 1-2 feet tall and wide, preferring full sun and low water conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Woolly Mule-Ears is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Large fuzzy leaves may appear informal to some HOAs
- Can look somewhat unkempt after blooming
- Not as tidy as common ornamental landscape plants
Wildlife value
The large yellow flowers attract various native bee species and butterflies, making it valuable for pollinator gardens. Seeds may also attract birds later in the season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Woolly Mule-Ears need?
- Woolly Mule-Ears grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Woolly Mule-Ears bloom?
- Woolly Mule-Ears blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Woolly Mule-Ears native?
- Woolly Mule-Ears (Wyethia mollis) is native to CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Woolly Mule-Ears toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Woolly Mule-Ears as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Woolly Mule-Ears attract?
- Woolly Mule-Ears draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Woolly Mule-Ears HOA-friendly?
- Woolly Mule-Ears is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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
Ready to grow Woolly Mule-Ears? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.