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Mentzelia laevicaulis (Evening star)
Miller, Holmes O.

Mentzelia laevicaulis (Dougl. ex Hook.) Torr. & Gray

Evening star, Giant blazingstar, Smoothstem blazingstar, Stick leaf

Loasaceae (Blazingstar Family)

USDA Symbol: MELA2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This biennial’s first year taproot carries a low, broad mound of rough, gray-green, coarsely toothed leaves. The second year, a 4-5 ft. flowering stalk branches out candelabra-fashion with dozens of large, yellow, starry flowers. Each flower is filled with long bunches of yellow stamens and opens from late afternoon until early morning.

There are many species of Mentzelia in the West. They are commonly called Stickleaf because of the leaves barbed hairs that readily cling to fabric.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Biennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Native Distribution: Dry areas from s.c. B.C. to s. CA, e. to MT, WY & UT
Native Habitat: Sandy, gravelly or talus-covered slopes of mt. canyons
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Description: Gravelly or sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Bumble Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Propagation

Description: Propagate by seeds.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Germination is enhanced if seeds are soaked prior to sowing, however seeds of this species will germinate without pretreatment.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Mentzelia laevicaulis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Mentzelia laevicaulis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Mentzelia laevicaulis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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