Menzies' Fiddleneck
Amsinckia menziesii
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico, United States
Unknown author Unknown author
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Genus:
- Amsinckia
- Species:
- Amsinckia menziesii
- USDA Symbol:
- AMME
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, orange
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★★★ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Ethmia charybdis, Grammia geneura
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Crotch bumble (Bombus crotchii), Eucera amsinckiae, Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) Butterflies:⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Sara Orangetip (Anthocharis sara), Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers open, sunny areas in native range
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 4-8 weeks.