Menzies’ Fiddleneck

Menzies’ fiddleneck is an annual wildflower native to western North America. It grows in a coiled, scorpioid inflorescence characteristic of the genus, with bright orange to yellow tubular flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. This species thrives in open, disturbed areas such as grasslands, roadsides, and meadows, often in well-drained soils. Its flowers attract native bees and other pollinators, while the plant’s hairy stems and leaves can deter herbivory. Menzies’ fiddleneck plays a role in early successional ecosystems, providing food and habitat for insects in open landscapes.