* Lindley’s Blazingstar – Mentzelia lindleyi (ment-ZEE-lee-uh LIND-lee-eye)

Family: Loasaceae (Eveningstar family)

Native to: Foothills of central and northern CA; rocky, open slopes, coastal-sage scrub, oak/pine

woodland below 2500 ft.

Growth characteristics: annual wildflower mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Herbaceous annual wildflower with erect growth habit. Leaves are lobed, rather dandelion-like along

the hairy stems. Plant dies after blooming and producing seed.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, usually Apr-June but may continue into summer. Large ( 3”)

flowers are bright, iridescent yellow, sometimes with an orange center. Very showy. Blooms open

in the late afternoon, releasing a sweet scent. Looks right at home in an old-fashioned garden.

Uses in the garden: Most common use is in mixed flower gardens. Adds a bright accent in late

spring-summer. Very showy when massed or mixed with other native wildflowers – particularly

with Penstemons & Phacelias. Excellent choice for large pots. Nice addition to scented garden.

This plant is used extensively in European gardens because of its attractive flowers.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native yellow-flowered annuals.

Attracts: Birds eat the seeds. Nectar attracts native and non-native bees.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun.

Soil Any well-drained soil; any local pH.

Water Needs adequate water during growth period (winter/spring); taper off water while

flowering. No water after flowering ends.

Fertilizer None needed, but will tolerate.

Other Will tolerate heat, wind, and poor soils

Management: Carefree. Best to sow seeds in place in fall.

Propagation: from seed: easy

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 13, 16 3/15/10 * CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county © Project SOUND