Contents
Description
Mentzelia Micrantha, also known as tinyflower blazingstar or stickleaf, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Loasaceae family. It is native to the western regions of North America, including California, Nevada, and Utah. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. It blooms from June to September and produces yellow flowers that are 2-3 inches in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Loasaceae |
| Genus | Mentzelia |
Appearance
The Mentzelia Micrantha plant has green, elongated leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long. Its stem is also green and has tiny hairs on it. The flowers are bright yellow and have five petals. Each petal has a unique shape and is about 1 inch long. The center of the flower has numerous stamens and pistils.
Care Guide
The Mentzelia Micrantha plant requires well-draining soil with moderate moisture. It prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in hardiness zones 5 to 9. It is a low maintenance plant that requires little fertilization. However, if you want to encourage blooming, you can fertilize it once in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. This plant is drought-tolerant, but it is important to water it deeply once a week during hot and dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Mentzelia Micrantha plant is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To prevent infestations, you can spray the plant with neem oil or use insecticidal soap. Root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered, so make sure to water it deeply but infrequently.
Habitat
Mentzelia Micrantha can be found in dry, sandy, and rocky areas such as deserts, chaparral, and open woodlands. It can also grow along roadsides and in disturbed areas. This plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate hot and dry weather.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Mentzelia Micrantha tolerate cold weather?
A: Mentzelia Micrantha is hardy in zones 5 to 9 and can tolerate cold weather.
Q: How often should I water my Mentzelia Micrantha plant?
A: Water your Mentzelia Micrantha plant once a week during hot and dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Q: What kind of soil does Mentzelia Micrantha need?
A: Mentzelia Micrantha requires well-draining soil with moderate moisture.
Q: How tall can Mentzelia Micrantha grow?
A: Mentzelia Micrantha can grow up to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Mentzelia Decapetala
- Mentzelia Laevicaulis
- Mentzelia Multiflora
- Mentzelia Nitens
References
- “Mentzelia Micrantha Fact Sheet.” USDA NRCS National Plant Data Team, 2021. Web. 9 September 2021.
- “Mentzelia Micrantha.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – The University of Texas at Austin, 2021. Web. 9 September 2021.
- “Mentzelia Micrantha.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021. Web. 9 September 2021.
