Wyethia glabra
Coast range mule ears
(c) Miriam Sachs Martin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Miriam Sachs Martin · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Wyethia glabra (Coast range mule ears) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by differentiated by smooth texture, shiny leaves, and large leaf-like bracts.
Coast range mule ears is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, southern North Coast Ranges, and Central Western California in generally shady sites at elevations below 950 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces yellow sunflower-like flowers with rays 25 to 50 millimeters long arranged in heads with 12 to 27 ray flowers. Growing 10 to 40 centimeters tall with an upright habit, it has smooth or sparsely hairy stems that emerge from the base. Its basal leaves are large and shiny, measuring 25 to 45 centimeters long, with an oblong lanceolate to ovate shape that is glabrous or finely glandular. The fruit is 10 to 13 millimeters long and sparsely covered with hairs or glandular surfaces.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species - differentiated by smooth texture, shiny leaves, and large leaf-like bracts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally shady sites
Elevation: < 950 m
Bloom period
Wyethia glabra blooms Mar-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Helianthella: Wyethia has leaves scattered up the stem while Helianthella leaves are mostly basal or opposite.; vs Balsamorhiza: Wyethia has several leaves climbing the stem; Balsamorhiza leaves are nearly all at ground level.; vs Agnorhiza: Wyethia has large 8-12mm disk flowers; Agnorhiza disk flowers are much smaller.; vs Helianthus: Wyethia has very large disk flowers (8-12mm) and broader leaves; Helianthus has smaller disk flowers.; vs Gazania: Wyethia is a robust native perennial with scattered stem leaves; Gazania is a low garden escape.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wyethia glabra native to California?
Yes. Wyethia glabra is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Wyethia glabra bloom?
Wyethia glabra blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Wyethia glabra belong to?
Wyethia glabra is in the Asteraceae family, genus Wyethia.
What habitat does Wyethia glabra grow in?
Wyethia glabra grows in Generally shady sites.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.