Coast Fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii) is an often-overlooked annual wildflower native to beaches and coastal uplands from California to southern British Columbia. It produces modest but vibrant orange-yellow flowers arranged along slender stems that can reach up to 3 feet in height. 
 
Especially attractive to native bees and bumblebees, it may also potentially serve as a host plant for the Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui) and nectar plant for the endangered Island Marble Butterfly (Euchloe ausonides insulanus). The gracefully spiraling racemes that give the plant its name gradually unfurl and straighten as the flowers are pollinated. 
 
Germination of Coast Fiddleneck is best achieved through fall or late winter sowing in sandy soils. Highly drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it ideal for dry coastal pollinator meadows and restoration projects. It can aggressively self-sow once established, however, and should be planted in moderation and kept away from agricultural pastures.