Smooth-stem Blazingstar
Mentzelia laevicaulis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Mentzelia laevicaulis is a rough-leaved forb that produces large, bright yellow flowers from June through August. It thrives in full sun on dry, rocky or sandy slopes and disturbed soils across intermountain and western landscapes.
Toxicity unknown
Smooth-stem Blazingstar (Mentzelia laevicaulis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Smooth-stem blazingstar is a drought-tolerant wildflower that produces large, showy yellow flowers during summer months. This plant grows 1-3 feet tall with a relatively compact spread, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
Growing Smooth-stem Blazingstar
Grow Smooth-stem Blazingstar in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Smooth-stem 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.
- Annual growth creates gaps in planting design
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
- Unpredictable establishment year to year
Wildlife value
The bright yellow blooms attract native bees and beetles during the summer flowering period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources for pollinators.
Common questions
- When does Smooth-stem Blazingstar bloom?
- It typically flowers from June through August, with large yellow blossoms that often open in the late afternoon and evening.
- What pollinators visit Smooth-stem Blazingstar?
- Bees and beetles are the main visitors, drawn to the abundant pollen and wide, showy yellow flowers.
- What growing conditions does this plant need?
- It grows best in full sun with low water, tolerating dry, rocky, or sandy soils typical of open slopes and disturbed ground.
- Is Smooth-stem Blazingstar easy to grow in a dry garden?
- Yes, once established it handles heat and drought well, making it suitable for low-water, sun-exposed garden areas.
- Is Smooth-stem Blazingstar HOA-friendly?
- Smooth-stem Blazingstar takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Smooth-stem Blazingstar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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