Mentzelia laevicaulis var. parviflora (Hook.) Torr. & A. Gray (Douglas ex Hook.) C.L. Hitchc.
blazing-star (smoothstem blazingstar)
Loasaceae (Loasa family)

Introduction to Vascular Plants

Photograph

© Ryan Batten     (Photo ID #25839)


Map

E-Flora BC Static Map

Distribution of Mentzelia laevicaulis var. parviflora
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Species Information

General:
Biennial or short-lived perennial herb from a deep taproot; stems ascending to erect, several, branched, angular, harshly barbed-hairy throughout but nearly glabrous near the bases, 0.3-1 m tall.
Leaves:
Basal leaves linear to shallowly lobed, 10-15 cm long; stem leaves alternate, unstalked, oblong to egg-shaped but less deeply lobed.
Flowers:
Inflorescence of numerous flowers in a compact terminal or axillary cluster; petals 5, lemon yellow, 2.5-8 cm long; calyces 1-2.5 mm long; stamens 2/3 the length of the petals; bracts linear.
Fruits:
Capsules, oblong, 1.5-3.5 cm long; seeds numerous, flattened, winged, greyish-green or brownish.
Notes:
Two, sometimes difficult to separate, varieties are recognized in BC:

1. Petals at least 4-8 cm long; fruits usually over 2 cm long ...................var. laevicaulis

1. Petals 1.5-4 cm long; fruits usually less than 2 cm long...................... var. parviflora (Dougl. ex Hook.) C.L. Hitchc.

SourceThe Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Habitat and Range

Dry slopes in the steppe and lower montane zones; frequent in SC BC; S to MT, UT and CA.

SourceThe Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Synonyms

Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Mentzelia brandegeei S. Wats.
Mentzelia douglasii H. St. John