Ten-petal mentzelia
Also known as: chalk lily, candleflower, evening starflower
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, stout, 1 to several, branched above; bark whitish, peeling off lower portions of stem.
- Leaves
- Alternate, simple, short-stalked below, sessile above, lanceolate, 2 to 6 inches long, .5 to 1.5 inch wide, rough; margins toothed to wavy; tips tapering to points.
- Inflorescence
- Cyme-like, 1 or few-flowered, near branch tips; bracts pinnately cleft, some partially fused to ovary.
- Flower
- Showy, 3 to 6 inches in diameter; sepals 5, 1/2 to 2 inches long, pointed; petals 10, white to creamy white, oblanceolate to spatulate, 1 to 3 inches long, 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide, often touch or overlap at flowering; tips pointed; stamens 200-300, shorter than petals.
- Fruit
- Capsules, cylindric, 3/4 to 2 inches long, 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide, dried sepals at top; seeds numerous, flattened, winged.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Dry, rocky hillsides, steep banks and slopes, roadsides, disturbed areas, and rocky outcrops. Rarely found in sandy soils.
- Distribution
- West 3/5 of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Toxicity
- Plants accumulate selenium and can be mildly poisonous.
- Forage Value
- Livestock rarely eat ten-petal mentzelia but birds will consume the seeds.
Additional Notes
Comments
The flowers open late in the afternoon and close during the night. Ten-petal mentzelia has a strong, deep taproot and will not withstand transplanting. The rough leaves can cling to clothing or hair.
Special Notes: Resembles Upright mentzelia
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Loasaceae - Stickleaf Family
- Life Span
- Biennial
- Height
- 1-3 feet
- Last Updated
- 2007-10-20
Color Groups
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: July, August, September