White-bract Blazing Star
Mentzelia involucrata
This White-bract Blazing Star was found in bloom on the slopes of Stewart Mountain just north of the Salt River in eastern Maricopa County, Arizona, USA on 27 March 2010.
ANNUAL: Spring annual appearing in years after good winter rains.
Generally less than 30 cm tall.
FLOWERS: The petals are pale yellow to almost white. Just below the
flower are about five enlarged, white and green bracts (modified leaves).
Stamens numerous - under good magnification the tips of the stamen filaments
are flared out and have a pair lobes on either side of the stamen. Blooming mid
to late spring depending on available moisture.
LEAVES: Leaves are variously lobed; generally the lower leaves are
larger and with longer lobes.
RANGE: Occurs sporadically on rocky slopes in the Sonoran Desert. Ranges
into California and Nevada.
FRUIT: The seed pods, roughly 20 mm in length, develop below the
flower and are straight. Numerous small seeds.
UNARMED: No spines or thorns.