Mentzelia aspera
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Mentzelia aspera

Tropical blazingstar · Tropical Stickleaf · Rough stickleaf

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
Temperature
15–37 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 8–11
Click count
85
Observations
13

Description

Source: leafsnap

Mentzelia 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
Suggested frequency: 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.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ 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.

Ideal temperature: 15–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 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

Tags (5)

Common Names (3)

en Tropical blazingstar
en Tropical Stickleaf
en Rough stickleaf