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Description
Mentzelia Involucrata, commonly known as bractless blazingstar, is a species of flowering plant in the family Loasaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This plant is an annual herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. The stems are erect and branching, with stiff hairs. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate to oblanceolate, with serrate margins. The flowers are bright yellow and cup-shaped, with numerous stamens and pistils. The fruit is a capsule containing many small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Loasaceae |
| Genus | Mentzelia |
| Species | Mentzelia Involucrata |
Appearance
Mentzelia Involucrata is a striking plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are about 2-3 inches in diameter and have numerous stamens and pistils. The stems are erect and branching, with stiff hairs. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate to oblanceolate, with serrate margins. The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall, depending on the growing conditions.
Care Guide
Mentzelia Involucrata is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:- Water: This plant prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant can grow in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mentzelia Involucrata is not commonly affected by pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. Here are some tips to prevent and treat these problems:- Spider mites: These pests can be prevented by keeping the plant well-watered and misting it regularly. If an infestation occurs, spray the plant with insecticidal soap.- Aphids: These pests can be prevented by keeping the plant well-watered and removing any affected leaves. If an infestation occurs, spray the plant with insecticidal soap.- Powdery mildew: This disease can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. If an infestation occurs, spray the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Mentzelia Involucrata is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can be found in dry, rocky areas, such as canyons and slopes, at elevations up to 7000 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mentzelia Involucrata a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Mentzelia Involucrata is an annual plant.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Mentzelia Involucrata?
A: Mentzelia Involucrata prefers well-drained soil, moderate watering, full sun to partial shade, and USDA zones 8 to 11.
Q: Is Mentzelia Involucrata resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Mentzelia Involucrata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew.
Q: Where is Mentzelia Involucrata native to?
A: Mentzelia Involucrata is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Related Plants
– Mentzelia albicaulis- Mentzelia congesta- Mentzelia decapetala- Mentzelia hirsutissima- Mentzelia laevicaulis
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Mentzelia involucrata. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=MEIN4- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Mentzelia involucrata. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MEIN4
