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Agnorhiza: The Mule's Ears Genus

Agnorhiza is a small genus of flowering plants belonging to the aster family (Asteraceae). It was formally recognized as a distinct genus in 1998, with its species previously classified within other genera.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agnorhiza (Jepson) W.A. Weber
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
• Synonyms: Species within Agnorhiza were formerly classified as members of Wyethia.
• Etymology: The name Agnorhiza possibly derives from the Greek words "agnostos" (unknown) and "rhiza" (root), alluding to the initially unknown roots of these plants.

Common Names and Species

Several species within the Agnorhiza genus are known by the common name "mule's ears," often with descriptive prefixes:

• Agnorhiza bolanderi: Bolander's mule's ears
• Agnorhiza invenusta: Coville's mule's ears, rayless mule's ears
• Agnorhiza reticulata: El Dorado County mule's ears
• Agnorhiza ovata: Southern mule's ears

Distribution and Habitat

• Many Agnorhiza species are native to California, with some being endemic to specific regions.
• Agnorhiza invenusta is found only in California.
• Agnorhiza bolanderi is endemic to California.
• Agnorhiza reticulata, the El Dorado County mule's ears, is a rare species.
• Agnorhiza ovata is native to the mountains and foothills of California.
• Agnorhiza elata has been observed in the Southwestern Sierra Nevada, specifically Fresno County.

Morphological Characteristics

• Agnorhiza bolanderi is described as a forb/herb, which is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.

Additional Resources

• The Plant List includes information on 14 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus Agnorhiza.
• Explore more about Agnorhiza on the Encyclopedia of Life (EOL).
• Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Agnorhiza.
• Further information on Agnorhiza reticulata can be found at the Flora of North America.