Amsinckia lycopsoides, commonly known as tarweed fiddleneck or bugloss fiddleneck, is an annual herb native to western North America, including California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. It thrives in a range of habitats, such as grasslands, open woodlands, and disturbed sites. This plant typically grows to a height of 10-50 cm and is characterized by its bristly texture and coiled inflorescences. The yellow flowers are about a centimeter long and bloom from April to July, providing a modest display of color during the flowering season. The plant’s appearance is marked by its hairy stems and narrow, alternate leaves that clasp the stem.

Tarweed fiddleneck is known for its resilience and ability to colonize disturbed soils, making it a useful species for erosion control and habitat restoration projects. It is also a valuable food source for pollinators during its bloom period. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and requires little maintenance, thriving in well-drained soils with low to moderate water. However, it can become weedy and may spread in garden settings if not managed. It is not typically used in ornamental plantings due to its weedy nature and potential to self-seed aggressively.CC BY-SA 4.0