Description

Mountain mule ears are one of about ten species that grow in California’s mountains, mainly in the Sierra Nevada, mainly in the northern half of the state. This mule ears inhabits mid- to high elevations of the central and northern Sierra Nevada. All Wyethis grow as a low fountain of basal leaves. The leaves are generally lance-shaped and wide. After late summer and winter dormancy (the plant will die back to the ground), the leaves shoot up from a deep tap root. As the years progress, the leaves become larger and more numerous. Once the tap root has stored enough energy, flower stalks appear, each topped with a large yellow daisy-flower. The flower display is quite striking and attracts an array of pollinators. The large seed heads produce copious amounts of seed, which support wildlife if left on the plant. This is a high elevation plant, but has tolerated growing conditions in the SF Bay Area, at least in a pot. It has tolerated summer water, but will go dormant whether watered or not. Some protection from the afternoon sun is advisable.