Jones' Blazing Star
Mentzelia jonesii
This Jones' 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 low growing and considerably less than ¾
meter tall.
FLOWERS: Bright yellow flowers with five petals, many stames; petals
12 mm long; a small patch of orange may be visible at base of
each petal. Blooming mid to late spring depending on available moisture.
LEAVES: Green leaves are variously lobed; generally the lower leaves are
larger and with longer lobes.
RANGE: Upper elevations of the Sonoran Desert, often in transition to
chaparral or desert grassland habitats. Ranges into California and Nevada.
FRUIT: The seed pods, roughly 25 mm in length, develop below the
flower and are often curved and wider towards the tip. Numerous small seeds.
UNARMED: No spines or thorns.