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Bractless Blazingstar

Mentzelia nuda

Last reviewed: June 2026

Bractless Blazingstar (Mentzelia nuda)
Photo: Ian D. Medeiros / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CO, IL, KS, MN and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Mentzelia nuda is a native prairie wildflower that produces bright yellow, star-shaped flowers during summer months. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established. It forms compact clumps with a relatively neat growth habit compared to other prairie plants.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bractless Blazingstar takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Unfamiliar wildflower appearance may be seen as weedy
  • Unknown dormancy appearance could look untidy
  • May not fit conventional landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow blooms attract native bees and beetles during the summer flowering period. Its seeds may provide food for birds later in the season.

Common questions

How much sun does Bractless Blazingstar need?
Bractless Blazingstar grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bractless Blazingstar bloom?
Bractless Blazingstar blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Bractless Blazingstar native?
Bractless Blazingstar (Mentzelia nuda) is native to CO, IL, KS, MN and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Bractless Blazingstar attract?
Bractless Blazingstar draws bees and beetles.
Is Bractless Blazingstar HOA-friendly?
Bractless Blazingstar takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bractless Blazingstar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz