Origin
Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg, commonly known as desert blazingstar or evening star, belongs to the genus Mentzelia in the Loasaceae family. The plant is native to North America, especially found in the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah, and northern Mexico.
Common Names
The desert blazingstar is commonly known as evening star, plains stickleaf, and dwarf mentzelia. The plant is also known as mujer dormida, which means "sleeping woman" in Spanish, because of its shape and prominence in legend.
Uses
The desert blazingstar has several traditional medicinal uses, including treating pain, fever, and infections. The plant's stem and root are used to alleviate rheumatism, coughs, and sore throats. Native Americans use the plant's leaves to make tea, which is said to help alleviate cold symptoms. Additionally, the desert blazingstar has some ecological importance, as it is a valuable source of nectar for bees, hummingbirds, and other insects.
General Appearance
The desert blazingstar is an annual herb that grows up to 6 inches tall. The plant has a single erect stem with a few branches at the top. The stems and leaves are covered with stiff hairs. The leaves are alternate and are narrowly lanceolate or oblong-elliptical with a length of 0.4–1.4 inches long. The plant's flowers bloom from June to October and are big and showy, measuring 1.2–2 inches in diameter. The flowers are bright yellow and have five petals. The plant's fruit is a capsule that contains several small brown-black seeds.
Growth Conditions for Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg
Light: Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg requires full sun to partial shade for growth. It grows best in areas with direct sunlight for at least six hours every day.
Temperature: This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers cool temperatures. It can survive in areas with hot summers if it receives adequate water. However, it may experience slow growth or dormancy in summer heat. In colder regions, this plant can survive winter temperatures below freezing.
Soil: Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral. However, it can tolerate slightly alkaline soils.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering. It can tolerate short periods of drought, but it requires consistent moisture to thrive. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to allow for proper absorption and to avoid wet foliage during the night.
Fertilizer: Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg does not require frequent fertilization. However, it can benefit from a slow-release, balanced fertilizer applied in early spring. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg is an annual plant that grows well in areas with well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sunlight and can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions. The seeds of Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg can be planted directly in the soil in the spring when the soil temperature has reached at least 60°F (15.5°C). The seeds should be sown at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) and spaced 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) apart. The plant takes approximately 7 to 10 days to germinate.Watering Needs
Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered once a week during hot weather, and the soil around the plant should be kept moist. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.Fertilization
Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg does not require heavy fertilization. The plant can benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied once or twice during the growing season. If the plants are healthy and growing well, additional fertilizer may not be necessary.Pruning
Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg does not require pruning. However, deadheading the spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. This can be done by removing the entire flower and its stem just below the bloom. If the plant grows too tall and leggy, it can be cut back by half to keep it compact and bushy.Propagation of Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg
Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg, commonly known as the manyflowered blazingstar, is a perennial plant that is native to the western part of North America. This plant produces beautiful yellow flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. If you are interested in propagating this plant for your garden, there are a few methods you can try.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg is through seeds. The plant produces copious amounts of seeds that disperse naturally or can be collected after the pods dry out. To propagate the plant through seed, it's best to sow the seeds in the fall or early spring. The seeds need stratification to germinate, which can be achieved by storing them in a refrigerator for a few weeks before planting them. After that, sow the seeds in well-drained soil, cover them lightly with soil and water them. Seeds should germinate in two to four weeks, and you can transplant them to their final location after they develop their first true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Another propagation method is through cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season, typically in the spring or summer. Choose a healthy stem and make a clean cut just below the leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in well-drained soil. Water the cutting and keep it in a shaded area until it develops roots and new growth. After that, transplant it to its final location.
Division Propagation
Finally, Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg can also be propagated through division. This is best done in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Dig up the plant, remove the soil, and gently separate the roots. Each division should have a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant each division in a well-drained soil mixture and water them. Keep them shaded for their first few days to help them recover from transplant shock.
Disease Management
Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg is generally resistant to many diseases.
However, several factors such as environmental conditions, inappropriate cultural practices, and poor sanitation can trigger diseases in the plant. Some of the common diseases that can affect Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg are:
- Root rot: This is caused by fungi such as Phytophthora and Pythium. It can be managed by avoiding overwatering, providing proper drainage, and using sterilized soil.
- Anthracnose: This is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected plants, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides.
- Gray mold: This is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. It can be managed by improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plant debris.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Mentzelia pumila Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray var. multiflora (Nutt.) Urban & Gilg can be susceptible to insect and mite pests.
Some of the common pests that can affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can be managed by handpicking, pruning infested areas, and using insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. They can be managed by removing infested leaves, washing the plant with a strong stream of water, and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leaf miners: These insects burrow into the leaves, causing yellowing and necrosis. They can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves and using insecticides.
Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of diseases or pests can help catch and manage them early. It is also important to practice good sanitation by removing and destroying any infected plant debris or fallen leaves.
