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Description
Mentzelia Decapetala, commonly known as ten-petal blazingstar or giant blazingstar, is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the family Loasaceae. It is native to the western United States, primarily in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert regions. The plant gets its name from the Greek botanist Christian Mentzel, who studied Loasaceae plants in the 17th century. Mentzelia Decapetala is grown for its attractive yellow flowers that bloom in the summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Loasaceae |
| Genus | Mentzelia |
| Species | Decapetala |
Appearance
Mentzelia Decapetala can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Its leaves are lance-shaped and serrated, with a gray-green color and a slightly hairy texture. The flowers are bright yellow and have ten petals, with a diameter of 2-3 inches. They bloom in the summer months and are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant produces a fruit that is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Mentzelia Decapetala is relatively easy to care for and can be grown in most soil types. Here are some care tips for this plant:- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. However, it is important not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can promote healthy growth.- Soil: The plant can grow in most soil types but prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH.- Sunlight: Mentzelia Decapetala prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mentzelia Decapetala is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. In addition, spider mites and aphids may infest the plant, but these can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Mentzelia Decapetala is native to the western United States, primarily in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert regions. It grows in dry areas, including rocky slopes, sandy washes, and desert canyons. The plant is also commonly found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mentzelia Decapetala a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Mentzelia Decapetala is an annual plant.
Q: What is the blooming period for Mentzelia Decapetala?
A: The plant blooms in the summer months.
Q: Can Mentzelia Decapetala tolerate some shade?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate some shade.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Mentzelia Decapetala?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Related Plants
– Mentzelia Albicaulis (Whitestem Blazingstar)- Mentzelia Laevicaulis (Giantflower Blazingstar)- Mentzelia Lindleyi (Lindley’s Blazingstar)- Mentzelia Multiflora (Showy Blazingstar)
References
– “Mentzelia Decapetala.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin. Accessed 20 July 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MED2.- “Mentzelia Decapetala.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k580.
