Woolly Mule's Ears
Wyethia mollis · Asteraceae
- Form
- Perennial
- Height
- 1–2 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Blooms
- Jun, Jul
- Habitat
- Montane · Sagebrush Scrub
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Open Montane slopes and meadows; upper Sagebrush Scrub
- Form / size: Clumping perennial, 1–2 ft
- Sun: Full sun · Water: Low
- Blooms: Early–mid summer · Pollinator value: High
Description
Big, soft, woolly grey-green leaves shaped like a mule’s ears (large, pointed, up to a foot long), forming bold clumps that carpet open montane slopes — then topped in early summer with large, yellow, sunflower-like flowers. A signature wildflower of Eastern Sierra forest openings and sage edges, often coloring whole hillsides.
Wildlife & pollinators
Flowers draw native bees and butterflies; seeds feed birds; foliage is grazed by deer.
Habitat & range
Open Montane forest, slopes, and meadow edges of the Sierra and Great Basin ranges; mixes into upper Sagebrush Scrub.
In the garden
A bold, drought-tolerant perennial for sunny mountain gardens; dies back after seeding. Full sun, low water.
Propagation
From seed (cold-moist stratify); deep-rooted and best sown in place.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed across California (map)
- Forest openings and sage slopes of the Eastern Sierra.
