Key Facts
- A hairy annual wildflower in the borage family
- Coiled inflorescences resemble the curve of a fiddleneck
- Flowers are tubular and yellow to orange
- Native to western North America and common in disturbed sites
- Reproduces and spreads primarily by seed and self-seeding
- Often found on dry, well drained soils and open sunny slopes
- Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in livestock
- Can behave weedy in warm climates or in disturbed ground
Fiddleneck is a hairy annual wildflower in the borage family with coiled clusters of yellow to orange tubular flowers. It makes a quick spring display on dry sunny slopes and disturbed ground but self seeds freely and contains alkaloids that can harm livestock.
Identification
Plants have a rough hairy stem and coiled inflorescences that unroll as flowers open which gives the common name. Flowers are tubular and yellow to orange and plants commonly reach about 6 to 24 inches tall depending on site moisture. Small colonies form from abundant seed.
Where to Grow Fiddleneck Best Uses
Best used in naturalized wildflower pockets and on dry slopes where low care and quick spring color are desired. It performs well on disturbed, well drained patches but is not suitable for forage areas because of its toxicity. Expect it to appear in bare or recently worked soil.
Planting and Timing
Propagate by seed and plan for either fall or early spring sowing depending on local climate. Seedlings commonly establish and flower in the first season so monitor for unwanted spread. Because plants self seed readily avoid planting where reseeding would be a problem.
Soil and Light
Fiddleneck prefers well drained sandy or loamy soils and tolerates poor or rocky ground. It grows in full sun to light shade and flowers most reliably in open sunny spots. Poor drainage reduces vigor and plants are uncommon where soils stay waterlogged.
Watering and Care
Once established fiddleneck is adapted to dry conditions and needs little supplemental water. Excessive irrigation or waterlogged soil reduces flowering and long term survival. Keep irrigation light in summer and avoid heavy mulch that holds moisture against the crown.
After Flowering and Controlling Spread
Control reseeding by removing or cutting flower stalks before seeds mature and by pulling seedlings early in the season. Small colonies typically spread by abundant seed rather than by roots so regular removal of seedheads limits expansion. Avoid letting it set seed in pastures.
Containers and Landscaping Considerations
Fiddleneck is seldom grown for containers because it reseeds and can be weedy in confined spaces. Use it selectively in managed wildflower pots and remove spent blooms to prevent volunteers. It works best when allowed to naturalize in larger open areas.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Fiddleneck grow?
- From seed fiddleneck often establishes and flowers in the first season with spring to early summer bloom depending on rainfall and local climate. Mature height varies with moisture but many plants reach their full size within a few weeks of rapid spring growth.
- Is Fiddleneck poisonous to livestock?
- Yes it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage if eaten in quantity. Livestock exposure should be minimized and any concerns checked with a veterinarian or local extension service.
- How do I prevent it from taking over?
- Remove or cut flower heads before seed set and pull seedlings while small. Preventing bare soil and encouraging denser desirable vegetation reduces new seedlings. Monitor disturbed areas after rain when many seedlings emerge.
- Can I include it in wildflower mixes?
- Yes for naturalizing on dry open sites but include it only where self seeding is acceptable. Expect it to appear reliably in mixes that favor early spring annuals.
- Will it tolerate shade?
- It tolerates light shade but flowers best in full sun. Shadier sites usually produce fewer blooms and less vigorous plants.
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