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Description
Mentzelia Laevicaulis, commonly known as smoothstem blazing star, is a drought-tolerant plant that belongs to the Loasaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and can grow up to 3 feet tall. This plant is known for its showy, bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer months. It is a great choice for adding a pop of color to your garden and attracting pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Loasaceae |
| Genus | Mentzelia |
Appearance
The smoothstem blazing star has long, narrow leaves that are up to 6 inches long. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are up to 2 inches in diameter. The flowers have five petals and numerous stamens, giving them a unique and showy appearance. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, making it a great choice for filling in a large area of your garden.
Care Guide
Mentzelia Laevicaulis is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it still requires some care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and prefers to be watered infrequently. Water deeply once a week during the summer months and less frequently during the winter months.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions. If your soil is heavy, amend it with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Mentzelia Laevicaulis prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mentzelia Laevicaulis is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. To prevent these issues, keep the plant well-watered and avoid overhead watering. If you do notice pests or disease, treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Mentzelia Laevicaulis is native to the southwestern United States and can be found growing in arid regions, such as deserts and prairies. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions. This plant is adapted to survive in hot and dry climates and is drought-tolerant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Mentzelia Laevicaulis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is watered regularly.
Q: How often should I fertilize Mentzelia Laevicaulis?
A: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the best time to plant Mentzelia Laevicaulis?
A: The best time to plant this plant is in the spring after the last frost.
Q: How often should I water Mentzelia Laevicaulis?
A: Water deeply once a week during the summer months and less frequently during the winter months.
Related Plants
- Mentzelia Decapetala
- Mentzelia Nitens
- Mentzelia Pumila
- Mentzelia Serrata
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MELA5
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/blazing-star/growing-smooth-stem-blazing-star.htm
- https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1791/smoothstem-blazing-star/
