Mules Ears Native Sunflower Seeds

Narrow Leaf Mules-Ears Sunflower 
Wyethia angustifolia
Seeds per Package: 30

Wyethia amplexicaulis (mules ears) is a clump‑forming, long‑lived perennial in the Aster family native to western North America—prairies, foothills, and open montane slopes from British Columbia and Alberta south through the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin. It’s valued for its bold, sunflower‑like golden daisies, large basal leaves, and drought‑tolerant, prairie‑style presence.

Plant mules ears in full sun for best flowering and leaf development; it tolerates light afternoon shade but is happiest in open, sunny sites. It prefers well‑drained soils from sandy to rocky loams and performs exceptionally in lean, dry soils with good drainage. Avoid heavy, wet clay or poorly drained sites—excess moisture can lead to crown rot. Once established it is very drought tolerant and thrives with minimal fertility.

Seeds benefit from a period of cold stratification to mimic winter conditions: surface‑sow or press lightly into a fine, moist seedbed and refrigerate the sown containers or seed packet for 4–8 weeks, or sow outdoors in autumn for natural stratification. Germination typically occurs in 7–28 days after warming. Direct sowing in spring after the last frost is possible but slower; seedlings establish slowly and appreciate good drainage and protection from slugs and excessive competition.

Mature plants form basal clumps with flower stalks rising about 12–30 inches (30–75 cm) tall and a spread of roughly 12–24 inches (30–60 cm); space plants about 18–24 inches apart to allow clump expansion and airflow. Hardy in a wide range of climates where winters are not excessively wet, it’s suitable for USDA zones ~3–8 depending on site.

Wyethia amplexicaulis is primarily grown as a bold ornamental for prairie, native‑plant, and drought‑tolerant landscapes; its large golden blooms are good for casual cutting and the robust basal foliage provides summer structure. It attracts native bees and other pollinators and is excellent for restoration plantings, meadow compositions, and naturalistic borders.