Lindley's Blazing Star
Mentzelia lindleyi
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
Fast, Medium; Performs best in sandy soil.
1–2ft tall , 1–1ft wide
Mar-May
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Interior valleys and foothills of central and southern California from the San Joaquin Valley to San Diego County, below 3000 ft elevation, in grasslands and washes.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Lindley's Blazing Star in full sun with fast-draining, sandy soil - this is where it performs best. Space plants about 1–2 feet apart and plant in spring to give them the growing season ahead. This annual wildflower has a taproot, so choose a location where you won't need to move it, though it can also succeed in containers if your in-ground soil is too heavy.
After Planting
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish the plant, then cut back dramatically once established - aim for no more than twice a month in summer. The #1 mistake is overwatering: this is a very-low-water plant from California's dry coast ranges, and excess moisture is far more likely to kill it than drought. Expect bright 3-inch flowers opening in the afternoon from March through May, and remember this is an annual, so plan to reseed or replant each year.
Visit Calscape for more information about Lindley's Blazing Star
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Listed under California ESA; range has contracted significantly
Wildlife Supported
Insects
spring flowering resource for emerging colonies
early season forage for colony establishment
pollen and flower visitor
early season nectar source
adult feeding on flowers
larval development in plant tissues
fungal pathogen on foliage