Mentzelia aspera
Tropical blazingstar · Tropical Stickleaf · Rough stickleaf
Description
Source: leafsnapMentzelia aspera, commonly known as the rough blazing star or stickleaf, is a flowering plant native to North America. It belongs to the Loasaceae family and thrives in the arid regions of the western United States and Mexico. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and features yellow flowers that bloom from June to September. Its leaves are covered in stiff hairs, giving them a distinctive rough texture, which inspired the common name "rough blazing star." Mentzelia aspera is well-adapted to survive in harsh desert conditions, enduring minimal water and high temperatures. Native American tribes have traditionally used the plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating skin conditions, reducing fever, and providing pain relief. Today, it is also valued for its unique appearance in ornamental gardening but should be handled with care due to its prickly nature.
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun
Streambank stickleaf is a sun-loving, perennial herbaceous species that comes from open habitats and is often found in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun conditions.
🌡️ Temperature 15–37.8°C
Streambank stickleaf can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by particular combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures can raise the chance of Streambank stickleaf dying. In winter, protecting the plant from cold can help improve its survival rate.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Streambank stickleaf is in early spring, when it is coming out of dormancy and starting active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although Streambank stickleaf has fairly low fertilizer requirements, applying fertilizer annually can boost its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
To encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms, tropical blazingstar benefits from early spring pruning. Start by removing dead stems and thinning crowded areas to improve air circulation. This technique promotes optimal growth and flowering. Always use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease, and time your pruning to align with the plant’s growth cycle for robust results in the upcoming season.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Mentzelia
- Family
- Loasaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Light Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 5.08 cm to 6.35 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Mexico