Species Common Fiddleneck
bright-yellow flowers with yellow-brown center, dark-green sepals, lime-green leaves and light-green stems

Common Fiddleneck

Amsinckia intermedia

Common Fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia) is an annual wildflower that is native to California and other parts of the western United States. Its bright yellow flowers bloom in the spring and summer months, and its gray-green, serrated leaves twist around its stem in tightly arranged whorls. This plant quickly spreads by reseeding itself and can grow up to 3 feet tall. This plant has many medicinal uses, and although it is rarely eaten, its leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach. Common Fiddleneck is an essential food source for many native pollinators, so planting it will help support a flourishing local ecosystem.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Common Fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia) should be watered once every 7-10 days. Water enough so the soil is moist but not too wet. During the summer months, the soil may need to be watered more often due to increased temperatures and higher evaporation. If the plant starts to wilt, it may need more frequent watering. Always check the soil before watering to make sure that the soil is dry before you give it water.

sunlight

Common Fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia) generally enjoys full sun exposure, with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day being ideal. During spring and summer, try to provide direct sunlight for as long as possible and avoid shady spots as much as possible. In hotter climates, however, it's best to provide some afternoon shade to keep the plant from experiencing too much heat stress. When the temperatures start to cool in the autumn and winter months, this plant can handle a bit less direct sun each day, with just 4-6 hours being ideal.

pruning

Common Fiddleneck prefers to be pruned when actively growing in the spring and early summer. Pruning should be focused on maintaining a healthy, full shape and removing any dead or damaged growth. Pruning should be minimal; no more than 1 third of the total foliage should be removed at a time. Pruning the plant too heavily may lead to stunted growth and a decrease in blooms.