Wyethia amplexicaulis

(Northern Mule’s Ears)

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Wyethia amplexicaulis, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0377

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Wyethia amplexicaulis, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0390

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Wyethia amplexicaulis, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0395

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Wyethia amplexicaulis, CR 12, Kebler Pass Rd., Gunnison Co. 3742

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Wyethia amplexicaulis, CR 12, Kebler Pass Rd., Gunnison Co. 3749

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Wyethia amplexicaulis, CR 12, Kebler Pass Rd., Gunnison Co. 3740

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Wyethia amplexicaulis, CR 12, Kebler Pass Rd., Gunnison Co. 3747

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Wyethia amplexicaulis, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 07289

Scientific Name Wyethia amplexicaulis USDA PLANTS Symbol WYAM
Common Name Mule's Ears ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 38674
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills and montane (6500 to 10500 ft.); moister soils in draws, meadows, open woods, and open grasslands; often growing in large, massive displays covering acres of meadows.
Plant: Leafy perennial 10 to 32 inches tall; hairless stems and leaves.
Leaves: Shiny basal leaves, smooth (hairless), dark green lanceolate-elliptic or oblong-lanceolate blades, 6 to 12 inches long (or more); margins usually entire, sometimes denticulate or dentate, prominent veins; stem leaves are similar but smaller going upward, upper leaves sessile or clasping.
Inflorescence: Single or (more often) 2 to 8 bright yellow sunflower-like heads 2 to 5 inches across, 8 to 21 ray florets and numerous yellow disk florets; central head is larger; hemispherical to conical involucre with 18 to 36 or more phyllaries in layers, 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches long (outer longer than inner), hairless.
Bloom Period: June to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Paul Slichter, Fire Effects Information System and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains