Whitehead Mule-Ears

Wyethia helenioides

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Wyethia
Species:
Wyethia helenioides
USDA Symbol:
WYHE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from deep taproot following fire; adapted to periodic grassland and oak woodland fires.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to open, sunny slopes and grasslands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification. Germination can be erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI