Loasaceae: Blazing Star Family
Santa Lucia Stickleaf – Mentzelia gracilenta
Blooms:
Apr–May
Plant Height:
3–60 cm
Flower Size:
Large
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Grassland, pine/oak woodland, rocky slopes above 200 m
Notes:
This is a strikingly brilliant yellow flower. The petals have orange bases, and there are numerous stamens. Flowers are 8–18 mm across, borne in clusters, or sometimes terminal and solitary. Leaves are simple or pinnately lobed. The common name (so much less appealing than the family’s common name) derives from the ease with which the leaves adhere to one’s clothing.
San Luis Stickleaf – Mentzelia micrantha
Blooms:
Apr–June
Plant Height:
10–80 cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Open, recently burned or disturbed chaparral, rocky and sandy soils and oak woodland
Notes:
The common name is confusingly similar to that of Mentzelia gracilenta (see above), but the two species are easily distinguished. This is a taller plant with much smaller flowers, the petals are only 2.5–4.5 mm. Bracts are deltoid to ovate, equal to or longer than the flowers, and more or less concealing them. Leaves are irregularly toothed, wavy or lobed.
