Agnorhiza ovata facts for kids

Agnorhiza ovata is a type of flowering plant. It is also known by its old name, Wyethia ovata. People often call it the southern mule's ears because of its leaf shape.

This plant grows naturally in the mountains and foothills. You can find it in southern California and Baja California. It lives in areas like the Pacific Coast Ranges and the Sierra Nevada foothills. In California, it's found in counties such as Tulare, Kern, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego. You can also spot it in the Peninsular Ranges south of the international border.

What Does Southern Mule's Ears Look Like?

Agnorhiza ovata can be found in many different places. It grows well in forests, woodlands, and open grasslands.

Plant Structure and Growth

This plant is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows from a thick main root called a taproot. It also has a woody base, which is known as a caudex.

The stem of the plant is usually hairy and sticky. It can grow from just a few centimeters tall to almost half a meter high. The leaves are oval-shaped. They can be up to 20 centimeters long. These leaves are often hairy or silky and feel a bit sticky.

Flowers and Seeds

The plant produces one or more flower heads. These heads might be hidden among the top leaves. Each flower head has special leaf-like parts called phyllaries. These can be up to 5 centimeters long.

The flowers are bright yellow. There are usually 5 to 8 ray florets, which look like petals. These are about 1.5 centimeters long. In the center of the flower head, there are many small yellow disc florets.

After the flowers bloom, the plant produces a fruit. This fruit is called an achene. It is about a centimeter long. Each achene has a short, bristly top called a pappus.