Origin
Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson, commonly known as Smallflower Blazing Star, is a native plant to western North America, ranging from California to British Columbia.
Common Names
Smallflower Blazing Star is the most commonly used name for Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson. It is also known as Nuttall's Blazing Star and Small-flowered Mentzelia.
General Appearance
Smallflower Blazing Star is an annual plant that grows up to two feet tall. It has long, slender stems with narrow leaves that are alternately arranged. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are four-petaled and star-shaped. The flowers have a diameter of about one inch and are typically found at the top of the stem.
Uses
Smallflower Blazing Star has been used traditionally by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes. The roots of the plant are believed to have pain-relieving properties and were used to treat toothaches, headaches, and other ailments. The seeds of the plant were used to make a poultice to treat skin conditions such as burns and sores. The flowers of the plant have also been used to make dyes for textiles.
In modern times, Smallflower Blazing Star is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. Its bright yellow flowers and unique appearance make it a striking addition to any garden or wildflower meadow. The plant is also known for being drought-tolerant and low maintenance, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and other water-wise landscaping techniques.
Light Requirements
Mentzelia dispersa var. obtusa requires full sun for optimal growth and development. The plant can tolerate some shade, but growth will be stunted if it doesn't receive enough sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The typical growth conditions for Mentzelia dispersa var. obtusa involve warm temperatures. The plant prefers average to hot temperatures ranging from 70°F to 95°F (21°C to 35°C). This plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but only for a short period. Frost can kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Mentzelia dispersa var. obtusa grows best in well-drained soil that is sandy or rocky. The plant can grow in other types of soil in the areas with a high level of rainfall or a long cool season. The pH level of the soil should be acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Additionally, this plant is adapted to grow in soil with a low fertility level.
Cultivation of Mentzelia Dispersa S. Wats. Var. Obtusa Jepson
Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson is native to the western United States and is commonly found in coastal areas and mountains. This plant prefers well-draining soils, so it is recommended to plant it in sandy or loamy soil. It also prefers full sun to light shade conditions.
When planting Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson, make sure to give each plant enough space to grow, as they can each spread up to 2 feet. Planting should be done in the spring to ensure the plant has enough time to establish before winter.
Watering Needs of Mentzelia Dispersa S. Wats. Var. Obtusa Jepson
Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson requires moderate watering, especially during the germination and establishment stages. Once the plant is established, it can withstand drier conditions, but it is still important to water it when the soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to make sure the soil has proper drainage.
Fertilization of Mentzelia Dispersa S. Wats. Var. Obtusa Jepson
Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of slow-release fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth. It is important not to overfertilize, as this can cause excessive growth and reduce the overall plant health.
Pruning of Mentzelia Dispersa S. Wats. Var. Obtusa Jepson
Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms to form. It is also recommended to trim back any dead or damaged stems to maintain the plant's health. Any pruning should be done in the fall, just before the plant goes dormant for the winter.
Propagation of Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson
The Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson plant can be propagated through seeds. Collect the seeds from the matured plants, which usually have a dry and split seed capsule. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be sown. It is important to note that the seeds can be difficult to germinate, so proper treatment is necessary before sowing.
One method to enable proper germination is to soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil medium, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, and covered with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The seeds usually germinate within a few weeks to a few months.
Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings from the parent plant during the growing season, ensuring that the cuttings are taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and have a few nodes on them. Remove the leaves from the bottom part of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
Insert the cuttings into a well-draining soil medium, about 2 to 3 inches deep, and firm the soil around it. Keep the soil moist and cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag or container to retain moisture and humidity. The cuttings usually root within a few weeks to a few months.
Disease Management for Mentzelia Dispersa S. Wats. var. Obtusa Jepson
Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson is a pretty hardy plant, but it’s susceptible to certain diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal disease is one of the most common diseases affecting Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson. Some of the common fungal diseases that affect this plant include:
- Botrytis blight
- Powdery mildew
- Root rot
To manage fungal diseases, keep the plant area clean and remove dead plant material. Avoid over-watering, especially in humid conditions. Fungicides can also help control and prevent fungal diseases.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases can also affect Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson. These diseases can cause leaf spot, blight, and other symptoms. To manage bacterial diseases, remove and destroy affected plant material and avoid over-watering. Use a copper-based fungicide to control the spread of bacterial diseases.
Pest Management for Mentzelia Dispersa S. Wats. var. Obtusa Jepson
Like all plants, Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson is also prone to pest attacks. Here are some common pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap out of plant leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. These pests can be difficult to see with the naked eye but can cause significant damage. To manage spider mites, use an insecticidal soap or oil spray, and avoid over-fertilizing plants.
Aphids
Aphids are another common pest that can affect Mentzelia dispersa S. Wats. var. obtusa Jepson. These pests can cover the plant with a sticky residue and stunt plant growth. To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to knock them off the plants or use an insecticidal soap or oil spray. Ladybugs can also help control aphids naturally.
