Mentzelia laevicaulis
giant blazingstar
Habit: short-lived, very showy herbaceous perennial that grows an erect whitish stem with many branches. Leaves are long with deeply pointed lobes. Large, bright yellow flowers are composed of 5 narrow petals with shiny surfaces. The open faced flower forms a star shape with numerous long yellow stamens sprouting from the center, giving the flower a feathery look. The fruit is an oblong capsule that contains many flat winged seeds. Stem and leaves are covered in small barbed hairs that stick to clothing. Blazingstar blooms throughout the summer and into fall.
Ecology: found in Western North America at elevations under 8900 ft (2700 m) in arid regions, as well as sandy, rocky and disturbed areas such as roadsides and grasslands.
Growing Conditions: full sun in rocky to sandy well-drained soil, tolerates soil that is poor in nutrients.
