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(Mentzelia decapetala)
Tenpetal Blazingstar (Mentzelia decapetala)
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John Rosford
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Rosford
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Rosford | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Rosford | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2007-08-29T18:46:52-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Watsonville, California
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 8" - 49" | 22" | Your precipitation may be too high for this plant. | Too high |
| • High Temp. | 67°F - 97°F | 77°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | -8°F - 40°F | 39°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Mentzelia decapetala, commonly known as tenpetal blazingstar, is an herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial plant native to the Great Plains and rocky outcrops in the western United States and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and spreads 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) wide. The tenpetal blazingstar is characterized by its large, showy white flowers that bloom at night and can be up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter, providing a striking display in arid landscapes during its flowering season in late summer.
The plant is well-suited for xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance and preference for well-drained soils, including those of poor quality. It is an excellent choice for rock gardens, naturalized areas, and borders in dry climates. Tenpetal blazingstar is also valuable for attracting night-pollinating insects such as moths. While it thrives in full sun and requires minimal maintenance once established, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. There are no widely known cultivars of this species, and it is not typically associated with aggressive roots or invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant is well-suited for xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance and preference for well-drained soils, including those of poor quality. It is an excellent choice for rock gardens, naturalized areas, and borders in dry climates. Tenpetal blazingstar is also valuable for attracting night-pollinating insects such as moths. While it thrives in full sun and requires minimal maintenance once established, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. There are no widely known cultivars of this species, and it is not typically associated with aggressive roots or invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate, Rapid
- Flower Color: Cream, White, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
native to the Great Plains and rocky outcrops in the western United States and Canada
Other Names
Common Names: Evening Star, Tenpetal Stickleaf, Evening Starflower, Gumbo-Lily, Tenpetal Mentzelia, Ten-Petalled Blazing Star, Sand-Lily
Scientific Names: Mentzelia decapetala, Bartonia decapetala, Bartonia decapetala, Bartonia ornata, Bartonia ornata, Hesperaster decapetalus, Mentzelia decapetala, Mentzelia ornata, Nuttallia decapetala
GBIF Accepted Name: Mentzelia decapetala