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Mentzelia laevicaulis
Mentzelia laevicaulis (Hook.) Torr. & A. Gray
Smoothstem Blazingstar, Giant Blazingstar, Evening Star, Stick Leaf
Loasaceae (Loasa Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: MELA2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: BiennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 5 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYNative 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
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Gravelly or sandy soils.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSpecial 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 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 on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Web Reference
Webref 37 - Calscape (2019) California Native Plant SocietyWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Mentzelia laevicaulis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Mentzelia laevicaulis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Mentzelia laevicaulis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-20Research By: TWC Staff