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bristly fiddleneck

Scientific Name: Amsinckia tessellata var. tessellata

Family: Boraginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Amsinckia tessellata: Bristly Fiddleneck

Amsinckia tessellata, commonly known as bristly fiddleneck, is an annual plant with a distinctive appearance and several interesting ecological roles.

Common Names

  • Bristly Fiddleneck
  • Tessellate Fiddleneck
  • Checker Fiddleneck
  • Devil's Lettuce
  • Western Fiddleneck

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Amsinckia tessellata A. Gray
  • Genus: Amsinckia
  • Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Amsinckia densirugosa Suksd.
    • Amsinckia hendersonii
  • Variety: Amsinckia tessellata var. gloriosa (Eastw. ex Suksd.) Hoover

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is covered in stiff bristly hairs.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is covered in stiff bristly hairs.

Distribution and Habitat

Amsinckia tessellata is native to much of western North America. It is considered common in California, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington.

Ecological Role

  • This plant is an introduced annual weed in some areas.
  • Amsinckia tessellata has shown promise in restoration projects, particularly in competition with invasive species like medusahead. Early seral seed mixes containing bristly fiddleneck have been successful in these efforts.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Amsinckia tessellata is an annual forb, growing up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) tall.
  • It has lanceolate leaves and an upright growth habit.
  • The leaves and stems are covered in tiny, bristly hairs.
  • Each flower produces 4 seeds loosely enclosed in an expanded bristly calyx.
  • The plant's name "fiddleneck" comes from the arching shape of its flower head.
  • It flowers from July to September.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite, containing both male and female organs.

Quirky Facts

  • One of its common names is "Devil's Lettuce".
  • It has been compared to Bristly Oxtongue.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Amsinckia tessellata can be confused with Common Fiddleneck (Amsinckia), but has flowers with only two.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • CalPhotos provides images of Amsinckia tessellata.
  • United States Department of Agriculture Plant Database.