Wyethia mollis A.Gray

Taxonomy and Common Name

Wyethia mollis, commonly known as woolly mule's ears, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae.

Plant Texture

This plant has a hairy to woolly texture, and sometimes loses its hairs as it ages.

Growth Form and Native Range

Wyethia mollis is a coarse perennial herb native to the mountains of northern California (particularly on the east side of the Sierra Nevada), as well as southeastern Oregon and western Nevada.

Habitat

It grows in forests and other mountain habitats, including dry open meadows that contain sagebrush.

Stem and Root Structure

It grows from a tough taproot and caudex unit, producing a stem that is typically 30 to 40 centimeters tall, though it can reach up to one meter in height at times.

Soil Preference

Thanks to its deep roots, it thrives in volcanic soils.

Leaf Shape and Texture

Its leaves have lance-shaped or oval blades up to 40 centimeters long; the blades are glandular and coated in woolly hairs, especially when new.

Leaf Arrangement

The leaves usually grow vertically upward from the plant's base.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence is either a solitary flower head, or a cluster of 2 or 3 flower heads.

Floret Characteristics

Each head holds up to 11 yellow ray florets, which can reach up to 4.5 centimeters in length.

Fruit Structure

The fruit is an achene about one centimeter long, not including its pappus.

Seed Edibility and Taste

The seeds of Wyethia mollis are edible, and have a taste similar to sunflower seeds.