Wyethia invenusta
Rayless mule's ears, Rayless Mule's Ears
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Wyethia invenusta (Rayless mule's ears) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by easily differentiated by lack of ray petals.
Rayless mule's ears is a California native perennial found in the southern Sierra Nevada in open forest and forest clearings at elevations of 600 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces yellow disk flowers without ray flowers, creating unusual discoid heads approximately 2 to 3 centimeters wide. Growing with erect stems 6 to 10 decimeters tall that branch toward the top and are densely covered in short, rough hairs, it appears somewhat sticky and glandular. Its cauline leaves range 7 to 20 centimeters long, with ovate to triangular shapes and bases that are obtuse to heart-shaped, covered in stiff hairs and often slightly glandular. The plant's distinctive lack of ray flowers and densely hairy, glandular stems make it an unusual member of the sunflower family.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species - easily differentiated by lack of ray petals
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open forest, clearings
Elevation: 600-2300 m
Bloom period
Wyethia invenusta blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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 invenusta native to California?
Yes. Wyethia invenusta is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Wyethia invenusta bloom?
Wyethia invenusta blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Wyethia invenusta belong to?
Wyethia invenusta is in the Asteraceae family, genus Wyethia.
Is Wyethia invenusta rare or endangered?
Wyethia invenusta carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Wyethia invenusta grow in?
Wyethia invenusta grows in Open forest, clearings.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.