Wyethia angustifolia aka California Compassplant

Wyethia angustifolia belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. This perennial lives for more than one year. Its common name is California compass plant. It comes from the western United States. Its range runs from Washington through Oregon to California. In the wild, it grows in meadows with seasonal moisture. It also grows on open slopes covered with grass. In California, it grows up to about 5,250 feet [1,600 metres] above sea level.

Plants reach about 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall. The account does not state their full width. It gives no detailed account of the leaves. Plants For A Future lists blooms from August to October. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects move pollen from flower to flower. The flowers also yield a yellow dye. Other dye mixes use the leaves, stems, and flowers. These give shades that range from gold to brass.

In gardens, this plant needs sun, not shade. Its soil must drain well but still hold moisture. A gritty mix meets these needs. It can grow in sand or loam. The soil can be slightly acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline. Keep soil near the roots moist. The source says the plant copes poorly with drought. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. Yet its notes on growing question a separate zone 9 claim. Its range reaches Washington, which casts doubt on that frost limit. Treat these hardiness figures as a guide, with some doubt.

The source lists garden beds as a place to grow it. You can split the crown as spring growth starts. The source also suggests sowing seed under cover in early spring. It notes a lack of support for this method for this species. The suggested method uses compost that drains very well. Move seedlings into their own pots when large enough to handle. Plant them in their final sites when large enough.

You can eat young leaves raw and cook the seeds. Dried, ground seeds can thicken soup or join flour for bread. People have also used seeds to make pinole. Past remedies used crushed roots in poultices to raise blisters. These are packs placed on the skin. People boiled leaves to make baths meant to cause sweating during fever. These records of use do not prove any benefit. The source lists no known hazards and no weed potential. It gives no details on pests or diseases.