Lindley's Blazing Star

Mentzelia lindleyi

annualView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

very low

Soil

Fast, Medium; Performs best in sandy soil.

Size

1–2ft tall, 1–1ft wide

Bloom

Mar-May

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

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.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Crotch's bumblebeeBombus crotchii

Listed under California ESA; range has contracted significantly

CA: Endangered

Wildlife Supported