Variegated-bract Blazingstar
Mentzelia montana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Variegated-bract Blazingstar (Mentzelia montana) 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
8"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 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.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Variegated-bract blazingstar is a compact native perennial that produces bright yellow star-shaped flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant plant forms neat clumps and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Variegated-bract Blazingstar is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Unknown winter appearance may concern some HOAs
- May self-seed in favorable conditions
Wildlife value
The cheerful blooms attract native bees and beetles during the summer months. This plant provides important nectar sources for pollinators during the peak growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Variegated-bract Blazingstar need?
- Variegated-bract Blazingstar grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Variegated-bract Blazingstar bloom?
- Variegated-bract Blazingstar blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Variegated-bract Blazingstar native?
- Variegated-bract Blazingstar (Mentzelia montana) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Variegated-bract Blazingstar attract?
- Variegated-bract Blazingstar draws bees and beetles.
- Is Variegated-bract Blazingstar HOA-friendly?
- Variegated-bract Blazingstar is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Variegated-bract Blazingstar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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