Common Fiddleneck

Scientific name: Amsinckia menziesii

INTRODUCTION

A member of the forget-me-not family, common fiddleneck is especially recognizable due to its long stems dotted with small yellow flowers and fuzzy curled ends. Native to North America, this annual herb blooms in the spring and grows well in poor soil, sometimes becoming weedy.

FUN FACTS

The name “fiddleneck” comes from the shape of the coiled stems, since it resembles the curled scroll on the end of a violin’s neck. In addition, there are two varieties of Amsinckia menziesii: var. menziesii and the more common var. intermedia. In fact, common fiddleneck is sometimes considered A. intermedia, whereas A. menziesii is called Menzies’ fiddleneck.