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Description
Mentzelia Gracilenta, commonly known as sand blazingstar, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Loasaceae. It is a native plant of North America, and it can be found in various regions of the United States, including California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. This plant is known for its large, showy, and bright yellow flowers that bloom from June to September. The plant can grow up to 60 cm in height, and it has a thick and hairy stem. The leaves of Mentzelia Gracilenta are green, narrow, and pointed, and they are arranged alternately along the stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Loasaceae |
| Genus | Mentzelia |
Appearance
Mentzelia Gracilenta is a beautiful and showy plant that can add a touch of bright color to any garden. The plant has large, bright yellow flowers that are around 5 cm in diameter. The flowers have five petals and a central disk, and they bloom from June to September. The stem of the plant is thick, hairy, and green, and it can grow up to 60 cm in height. The leaves of the plant are narrow, pointed, and green, and they are arranged alternately along the stem. The plant has a deep taproot that can grow up to 30 cm long.
Care Guide
Mentzelia Gracilenta is a relatively easy plant to care for, and it can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some general care tips for this plant:- Water: Mentzelia Gracilenta prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water the plant deeply once a week, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Mentzelia Gracilenta prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A sandy or loamy soil is ideal for this plant.- Sunlight: Mentzelia Gracilenta prefers full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but the plant will not bloom as well in shady conditions.- Hardiness Zones: Mentzelia Gracilenta is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mentzelia Gracilenta is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. Treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Mentzelia Gracilenta is a native plant of North America, and it can be found in various regions of the United States, including California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. This plant prefers dry, rocky, and sandy soils, and it can often be found growing on hillsides, slopes, and ridges. Mentzelia Gracilenta is adapted to hot and dry conditions, and it can tolerate drought and heat.
Questions and Answers
Q: Is Mentzelia Gracilenta a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Mentzelia Gracilenta is an annual plant.
Q: Can Mentzelia Gracilenta grow in containers?
A: Yes, Mentzelia Gracilenta can grow in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the plant receives adequate sunlight and water.
Q: How often should I fertilize Mentzelia Gracilenta?
A: Fertilize Mentzelia Gracilenta once a month during the growing season.
Q: How tall does Mentzelia Gracilenta grow?
A: Mentzelia Gracilenta can grow up to 60 cm in height.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Mentzelia Gracilenta:- Mentzelia albicaulis- Mentzelia dispersa- Mentzelia hirsutissima- Mentzelia laevicaulis- Mentzelia multiflora
References
– “Mentzelia gracilenta (sand blazing star).” USDA Plants. Accessed on September 22, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=MEGR2- “Mentzelia gracilenta.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed on September 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b710- “Loasaceae.” The Plant List. Accessed on September 22, 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/browse/A/Loasaceae/
