Quick answer: Mule's ears (Wyethia amplexicaulis) is native to 8 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 24 Oct 2026.
Photo: Thayne Tuason, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Deep clay or loam |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jul |
| Height | 1-2 ft |
| Wildlife value | Bees |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 24 Oct 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Mule's ears
Where is Mule's ears native?
Mule's ears (Wyethia amplexicaulis) is native to Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Mule's ears bloom?
Mule's ears blooms May-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Mule's ears need?
Light: Sun. Water: Medium. Soil: Deep clay or loam. Mature height: 1-2 ft.
Is Mule's ears good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Bees.
Where can I buy Mule's ears?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 24 Oct 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Wyethia amplexicaulis by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Mule's ears.
- Munro's globemallow Sphaeralcea munroana
- Snowbrush ceanothus Ceanothus velutinus
- Nettleleaf giant hyssop Agastache urticifolia
- Arrowleaf balsamroot Balsamorhiza sagittata
- Sulphur-flower buckwheat Eriogonum umbellatum
- Rocky Mountain iris Iris missouriensis
Also listed under
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