Smooth-stem Blazingstar
Mentzelia laevicaulis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Mentzelia laevicaulis is a drought-tolerant wildflower native to western North America that blooms June through August with large yellow flowers. This blazingstar thrives in full sun and attracts bees and beetles.
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 Mentzelia laevicaulis bloom?
- Smooth-stem Blazingstar typically blooms from June through August, producing large, showy yellow flowers during the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Mentzelia laevicaulis?
- This blazingstar attracts bees and beetles as its primary pollinators. The large, open flowers provide accessible nectar and pollen sources for these insects.
- Where is Mentzelia laevicaulis native?
- Smooth-stem Blazingstar is native to western North America, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
- What growing conditions does Mentzelia laevicaulis prefer?
- This plant thrives in full sun conditions with low water requirements, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant gardens in its native range.
- 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.
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 Smooth-stem 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