How much sun does Whitestem Blazingstar need?

Whitestem Blazingstar grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Whitestem Blazingstar bloom?

Whitestem Blazingstar blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Whitestem Blazingstar native?

Whitestem Blazingstar (Mentzelia albicaulis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Whitestem Blazingstar attract?

Whitestem Blazingstar draws bees and beetles.

Is Whitestem Blazingstar HOA-friendly?

Whitestem Blazingstar takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Whitestem Blazingstar

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Mentzelia albicaulis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Whitestem Blazingstar (Mentzelia albicaulis) 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

4"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Great Plains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Whitestem blazingstar is a compact annual wildflower that produces cheerful yellow blooms throughout the summer months. This drought-tolerant native grows in a neat, low mound and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.

In an HOA neighborhood

Whitestem 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 nature means gaps in coverage
May be viewed as too wild or weedy
Common name includes 'blazingstar' which sounds aggressive

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract native bees and beetles during its long blooming period from late spring through summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Whitestem Blazingstar need?: Whitestem Blazingstar grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Whitestem Blazingstar bloom?: Whitestem Blazingstar blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Whitestem Blazingstar native?: Whitestem Blazingstar (Mentzelia albicaulis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Whitestem Blazingstar attract?: Whitestem Blazingstar draws bees and beetles.
Is Whitestem Blazingstar HOA-friendly?: Whitestem 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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