Mulesears Wyethia, Mule-ears

Wyethia amplexicaulis

Physical Characteristics

Wyethia amplexicaulis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Central and Western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Root - cooked[46, 61, 105, 161, 257]. The native North American Indians dug pits in the ground which they lined with large stones. They then burnt a fire on top of the stones until the stones were hot. The roots were placed on these hot stones, sealed in with fern leaves and earth and then fermented for one or two days[94]. Seed[161, 177, 207, 257]. No more details are given. Young shoots[177]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Poultice The roots furnish a remedy applied externally as a poultice to bruised and swollen limbs[207, 257].

Known Hazards

None known