1. * Lindley’s Blazingstar – Mentzelia lindleyi
(ment-ZEE-lee-uh LIND-lee-eye)
Family: Loasaceae (Eveningstar family)
Native to: Foothills of central and northern CA; rocky, open slopes, coastal-sage scrub, oak/pine
woodland below 2500 ft.
annual wildflower
mature height: 1-3 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
Herbaceous annual wildflower with erect growth habit. Leaves are lobed, rather dandelion-like along
the hairy stems. Plant dies after blooming and producing seed.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring, usually Apr-June but may continue into summer. Large ( 3”)
flowers are bright, iridescent yellow, sometimes with an orange center. Very showy. Blooms open
in the late afternoon, releasing a sweet scent. Looks right at home in an old-fashioned garden.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most common use is in mixed flower gardens.
Adds a bright accent in late
spring-summer.
Very showy when massed or mixed with other native wildflowers – particularly
with Penstemons & Phacelias. Excellent choice for large pots. Nice addition to scented garden.
This plant is used extensively in European gardens because of its attractive flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native yellow-flowered annuals.
Attracts: Birds eat the seeds. Nectar attracts native and non-native bees.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun.
Any well-drained soil; any local pH.
Needs adequate water during growth period (winter/spring); taper off water while
flowering. No water after flowering ends.
None needed, but will tolerate.
Will tolerate heat, wind, and poor soils
Management:
Carefree. Best to sow seeds in place in fall.
Propagation: from seed:
easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 13, 16
3/15/10
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county
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