Mentzelia laevicaulis (Smoothstem blazingstar)
Drought tolerant native biennial or short-lived perennial with yellow star-like flowers, blooming June to September. Prefers sandy or gravelly soil on disturbed sites, road cuts and rocky slopes; up to 10,000 ft. elevation. Barbed hairs on leaves and seed capsules easily fasten to fur and clothing, likely as a mechanism of seed dispersal.
DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION
INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES
Family: Loasaceae
Duration: Annual
Growth Habit: Forb/herb
Native Status: Native
Growth Form:
Mature Height: in.
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Period: March-July
Annual Precipitation: 5-55 in.
Drought Tolerance:
Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
Elevation:
Fire Resistance:
Fire Tolerance:
Nitrogen Fixation:
SOIL ADAPTATION
Coarse Texture: Yes
Medium Texture: Yes
Fine Texture: Yes
Salinity Tolerance:
CaCO3 Tolerance:
pH Range:
SEEDING NOTES
Seeds per Pound:
Seeding Rate: PLS lbs/acre
Season:
Days to Germination:
VARIETIES & LOCAL ACCESSIONS
None
ADDITIONAL LINKS
USDA PLANTS Profile
Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria