Mentzelia

plant genus

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Mentzelia is a genus of plants belonging to the family Loasaceae. These plants are characterized by their scabrous and bristly nature, and they are native to western North America.1

Key features of Mentzelia include:
* Alternate leaves.1
* Flowers that are typically yellow or white.1
* A one-celled ovary containing numerous ovules.1

Plants within this genus are also commonly known as stickleafs, due to their rough leaves.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

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Loasaceae
Species of the genus Mentzelia have nonstinging but hooked hairs. Some have satiny orange blooms smaller than the 6-cm (2.4-inch), cupped, five-petalled flowers of blazing star (M. laevicaulis) of western North America. The yellow, fragrant blooms of blazing star open in the early evening. A few Loasaceae grow in…
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Species of the genus Mentzelia have nonstinging but hooked hairs. Some have satiny orange blooms smaller than the 6-cm (2.4-inch), cupped, five-petalled flowers of blazing star (M. laevicaulis) of western North America. The yellow, fragrant blooms of blazing star open in the early evening. A few Loasaceae grow in…
Read More