Mule’s Ears SEED (Wyethia amplexicaulis) PERENNIAL WILDFLOWER

Native Bees, Pollinator, U.S. Native, Wildlife

Mule's ear, Wyethia angustifolia, is a sturdy perennial wildflower with large, sunflower-like flowers on 1' stalks. It grows in many different plant communities, from woodlands to grasslands, and is found in many different parts of California, as well as in other parts of the West. APPROX 2000 SEEDS PER OZ

Drought tolerant, native, cool season perennial, occurs on rangeland, hillsides, open woods, dry meadows and moist draws. Blooms May to July and flower heads are eaten by all classes of livestock and wild game.

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting the seed just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.

Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established. Mature plants tolerate drought well, actually preferring dry soil conditions. They also grow well in poor, rocky, and sandy soil. This plant may self-seed. It attracts bees and butterflies.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.

Seed Saving: After their petals drop off, the centers of the flowers will darken and develop tight clusters of seed. Cut the heads and spread them out to dry for several days. Thresh the dried heads to separate the seed from the chaff. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place.