How to Grow and Care for Fiddlenecks

Menzies fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii) is an annual herbaceous wildflower that grows to 1.2 m tall. Menzies fiddleneck is named for its flower stem that curls over at the top like the head of a fiddle. Menzies fiddleneck decomposes in the soil making it a natural compost. This species attracts butterflies, bees and birds.

Bristly fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata) grows across the Great Basin of the United States, as well as down through the southern U.S. into Mexico. Its spiny hairs are thicker and tougher than those of other fiddlenecks, and give the plant its name. The bristly fiddleneck does well in many habitats and altitudes up to 1800 m.

Tarweed fiddleneck (Amsinckia lycopsoides) is indigenous to western North America but has spread throughout much of the world. In Australia, it has taken over many pasture lands, a fact that is particularly onerous since tarweed fiddleneck is toxic to horses. Fiddlenecks get their name from the characteristic coils at the tops of the shoots.

Common fiddleneck is an annual herb that typically grows in grassy or disturbed areas. It displays a unique inflorescence of tubular, bright orange-yellow flowers with a five-lobed corolla, each lobed intricately and extending like delicate fingers. Its foliage presents as hairy and coarsely textured, adapted to retain moisture in arid climates. This plant thrives under full sun and in sandy soil, exhibiting a hardy disposition while contributing vibrant color to its native habitats.

Green fiddleneck is characterized by its vibrant yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers and hairy stems. A hardy annual, typically found in Western North America's open spaces, it flourishes in disturbed soils that suggest its opportunistic nature. The bristly-haired leaves and coiled inflorescence add to its distinctive appearance, making it a unique presence in spring meadows and along roadsides.