Mentzelia albicaulis, commonly known as whitestem blazingstar or white-stemmed stickleaf, is an annual herb native to the arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, including the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, and chaparral ecosystems. It thrives in a range of habitats from lowland deserts to mountainous areas, often found in sandy or rocky soils. This plant is well-adapted to dry, open environments and is a pioneer species that can colonize disturbed sites. The whitestem blazingstar reaches up to 17 inches in height and forms a basal rosette of leaves that are up to 4 inches long, deeply lobed in a comb-like pattern. The flowers, which bloom from late spring to early fall, feature five shiny yellow petals and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

In cultivation, Mentzelia albicaulis is valued for its drought tolerance and unique foliage texture, making it suitable for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and naturalistic plantings. It requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. While it is not commonly used in traditional garden settings, its striking appearance and adaptability to harsh conditions make it an interesting choice for specialized landscapes. Gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions, which may be considered a benefit or a drawback depending on the desired level of naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0