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Description
Mentzelia Dispersa, commonly known as Desert Blazing Star, is a flowering plant native to the Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States. It is an annual plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. The plant produces large bright yellow flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is a tough plant that can survive in harsh conditions and is well suited for rock gardens and xeriscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Loasaceae |
| Genus | Mentzelia |
Appearance
The leaves of Mentzelia Dispersa are gray-green in color and are covered with soft hairs. The plant produces large, showy, bright yellow flowers that are about 2 inches in diameter. The flowers have five petals and numerous stamens. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide.
Care Guide
Mentzelia Dispersa is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It is drought-tolerant and does not require much water or fertilization. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight.
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: Mentzelia Dispersa can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mentzelia Dispersa is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be affected by spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Mentzelia Dispersa is native to the Mojave Desert in the southwestern United States. It can be found growing in rocky, sandy soil in desert washes and on hillsides. The plant is well adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert and can survive in high temperatures and low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Mentzelia Dispersa grow in containers?
A: Yes, Mentzelia Dispersa can be grown in containers. Use a well-drained potting mix and make sure the container has drainage holes.
Q: How often should I fertilize Mentzelia Dispersa?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Mentzelia Dispersa tolerate frost?
A: No, Mentzelia Dispersa is not frost tolerant. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Q: How do I propagate Mentzelia Dispersa?
A: Mentzelia Dispersa can be propagated by seed. Collect the seeds when the seed pods turn brown and dry. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil in the fall.
Related Plants
- Mentzelia Decapetala
- Mentzelia Laevicaulis
- Mentzelia Lindleyi
- Mentzelia Multiflora
- Mentzelia Nitens
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/mentzelia_dispersa.shtml
- https://www.highcountrygardens.com/perennial-plants/mentzelia
- https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Blazingstar.php
