Origin and Common Names
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata, also known as bracted blazingstar, is a flowering plant native to the western regions of North America, including California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. It is commonly referred to as "stickleaf," "starflower," "evening-star," or "matchweed."
Description
Bracted blazingstar is a biennial or perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, with a stem that is densely covered with fine hairs and sharp prickles. The leaves are alternately arranged, lance-shaped, with coarse margins, and grow up to 6 inches long. The flowers are bright yellow, cup-shaped, and grow in clusters at the apex of the stems. They bloom from May to September, with each blossom opening in the late afternoon and closing before sunrise the following day.
The distinctive feature of bracted blazingstar is the involucre of the flower, which consists of three to five large, pointed bracts that surround the base of each flower. The bracts are greenish or purplish, with a papery texture and a hairy surface.
Uses
The Native Americans used the plant for medicinal and practical purposes. The leaves were chewed or brewed into a tea to treat respiratory and digestive problems, as well as headaches and fever. The stems were also used to make baskets, ropes, and clothing. Nowadays, the plant is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and natural landscapes, due to its attractive flowers and unique appearance. It is also an important source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Light requirements:
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata typically requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth and flowering. The plant can tolerate light shade, but the flowering may not be as prolific in low light conditions.
Temperature requirements:
The plant is native to arid and warm regions and thrives in warm to hot temperatures. It is commonly found in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 60°F to 90°F. The plant can tolerate temperature extremes of up to 110°F.
Soil requirements:
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata prefers well-drained soils with good moisture retention capacity. The plant grows best in sandy or loamy soils, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant needs regular watering, but the soil must not be waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata is a plant that thrives in well-draining soil that contains plenty of nutrients. It is the kind of plant that can grow well in an area with consistent sun exposure. You can grow it from either seeds or seedlings/transplants, and it's ideal to plant them during spring or when between the late spring and early summer.
If planting it from transplants/seedlings, ensure that they are planted at a considerable depth that can allow for good growth. Also, ensure that you leave a spacing of 12 to 15 inches apart in your rows. Typically, this plant species thrives well in USDA zones 5 - 9.
Watering Needs
Like other plants, Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata needs water to support its growth. This plant species thrives in well-drained soil that isn’t too moist. Over-watering can cause damage to the plant. So, ensure that you only water it sparingly, especially during the dry season or when there isn't much rainfall.
Typically, deep watering once every week should suffice. Before watering it, it's essential to check the soil's moisture levels to guarantee that you don't overwater it.
Fertilization
When it comes to fertilization, Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata doesn't require much. However, it needs a balanced amount of nutrients to thrive well. So, it’s essential to use a balanced fertilizer that contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
It is best to fertilize the plant at the start of its growing season and after every six weeks during the active growth period. You can apply the fertilizer to the base of the plant's soil and then mix it to facilitate better distribution.
Pruning
Pruning helps shape the plant and promote its growth. Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata doesn't require much pruning as it is a bushy plant. The only recommended pruning is to remove the damaged, diseased, or dead parts of the plant.
It is also advisable to remove the flowers, which have faded since it encourages new flower growth in the plant.
Propagation of Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata is primarily propagated through seeds. The plant produces small, black, oblong seeds that are dispersed through natural means, such as wind or animals. However, the seeds can also be collected and sown intentionally to propagate the plant.
Collecting Seeds
Seeds of Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata should be collected when they are fully mature, which is typically in the fall. The seed capsules will have turned brown, and the seeds will easily detach from the plant. The capsules can be collected by hand and then opened to remove the seeds.
Sowing Seeds
The seeds of Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata should be sown in the fall or early spring. The seeds do not need to be stratified but should be soaked in water overnight before sowing to help soften the hard seed coat. The seeds should be buried about 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes two to four weeks.
Care of Seedlings
Once the seedlings have sprouted, they should be placed in a bright, sunny location and watered regularly to keep the soil moist. The young plants can be transplanted to their permanent location in the spring, after the last frost. They should be spaced about 12 inches apart to allow for their eventual size.
Disease Management
Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata is generally a healthy plant, but it can still be affected by certain fungal diseases.
1. Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that is characterized by the growth of a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to regularly inspect your plants for signs of powdery mildew. Avoid getting water on the leaves when watering, as the moisture promotes the growth of the fungus. If the infection is severe, remove the affected leaves and apply a fungicide.
2. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as small, orange-brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To avoid this disease, ensure that the plants are properly spaced and have good air circulation. If rust appears, remove the infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
There are a few common pests that may affect Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata. Here are some ways to manage them:
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are easily identifiable by their pear-shaped bodies and long antennae. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plants with water to wash them off or apply insecticidal soap.
2. Spider Mites: These arachnids cause damage by sucking sap from the leaves, causing stippling and discoloration. They often appear as small dots on the underside of leaves and spin webs. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly inspect your plants. Remove the affected leaves and apply an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to prevent further infestation.
3. Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on plant tissue, causing discoloration and deformation of leaves and flowers. They can also spread viral diseases. To manage thrips, apply an insecticidal soap or use sticky traps to reduce the number of insects.
Regular maintenance and vigilance are key to maintaining healthy Mentzelia involucrata S. Wats. var. involucrata plants. If you are unsure about the best way to manage a pest or disease issue, consult a horticulturist or professional gardener.
