Common fiddleneck is found in both wet and dry prairies and has bristly hairs on the foliage. The large, elongating flower stems are bright orange and curl at the ends (like the head of a fiddle). The seed is a favorite food on our native goldfinches. It does best in disturbed habitats and areas of low competition.

Flowers are large and beautiful, fringed, bright yellow, and often with a magenta center. The foliage is aromatic (sweet), it flowers for an extended period (up to 2 mo.) but flowers close by mid-morning, 4-5 ft tall (in garden or without competition). The seed is a small sunflower seed that attracts many birds.