Common Fiddleneck
Amsinckia menziesii
Also listed as Benthamia menziesii, Echium menziesii
Also known as Fiddleneck, Menzies' Fiddleneck, Small-flowered Fiddleneck
Climate Match for your location
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A California native wildflower with hairy stems and small orange-yellow flowers arranged in a distinctive coiled inflorescence. It thrives in dry, disturbed areas and is drought-tolerant once established.
Why grow it
Common fiddleneck establishes readily in low-water landscapes where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for erosion control and habitat restoration in semi-arid regions. Its early spring bloom predates many native wildflowers, providing forage for pollinators during a critical gap in the growing season. Compared to non-native annuals often used in dry plantings, it offers the advantage of being already adapted to local soil and climate conditions across western North America.
Watch out for
Common Fiddleneck self-seeds readily and can spread prolifically in suitable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers may be necessary if you want to limit its footprint. The fine hairs on stems and leaves can irritate sensitive skin during handling, so wear gloves when weeding or harvesting. In areas outside its native California range, verify local growing conditions before planting, as establishment success varies significantly by climate and soil type.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Boraginaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A California native wildflower with hairy stems and small orange-yellow flowers arranged in a distinctive coiled inflorescence. It thrives in dry, disturbed areas and is drought-tolerant once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Fiddleneck grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Common fiddleneck establishes readily in low-water landscapes where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for erosion control and habitat restoration in semi-arid regions. Its early spring bloom predates many native wildflowers, providing forage for pollinators during a critical gap in the growing season. Compared to non-native annuals often used in dry plantings, it offers the advantage of being already adapted to local soil and climate conditions across western North America.
Watch out for
Common Fiddleneck self-seeds readily and can spread prolifically in suitable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers may be necessary if you want to limit its footprint. The fine hairs on stems and leaves can irritate sensitive skin during handling, so wear gloves when weeding or harvesting. In areas outside its native California range, verify local growing conditions before planting, as establishment success varies significantly by climate and soil type.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Boraginaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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