Wyethia sp.
Mule's ears, Mule's Ears
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Wyethia sp. (Mule's ears) is a native California perennial in the Asteraceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
Yes. Wyethia sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Wyethia sp. belong to?
Wyethia sp. is in the Asteraceae family, genus Wyethia.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Wyethia angustifolia — California compassplant
- Wyethia bolanderi — Bolander's mule's ears
- Wyethia elata — Hall's wyethia
- Wyethia glabra — Coast range mule ears
- Wyethia helenioides — Gray mule ears
- Wyethia invenusta — Rayless mule's ears
- Xanthisma gracile — Annual bristleweed
- Xanthisma junceum — Rush-like bristleweed
- Xanthisma sp.
- Xanthisma spinulosum var. gooddingii — Spiny goldenweed
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.