Amsinckia tessellata, commonly known as bristly fiddleneck or devil’s lettuce, is a bristly annual herb that thrives in a variety of habitats including grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands, and desert scrub. It is native to western North America, with its range extending from eastern Washington and Idaho through California to the Great Basin and southwestern New Mexico, as well as northwest Sonora and Baja California in Mexico. This plant typically grows in open, disturbed areas, often thriving in areas that have been recently burned or grazed.

Amsinckia tessellata can reach up to 3 feet in height and is characterized by its coiled inflorescences, which resemble the neck of a fiddle, giving rise to its common name. The flowers are bright yellow to orange and bloom from March to May, providing a showy display. The plant is not commonly used in cultivation due to its weedy nature and potential for invasiveness. However, it can be found in wildflower mixes for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects. It prefers full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Amsinckia tessellata requires little water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. Gardeners should be cautious, as it can become a nuisance if allowed to spread unchecked.CC BY-SA 4.0