Star Flower/Blazing-Star
Mentzelia decapetala
Star Flower/Blazing-Star (Mentzelia decapetala) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 28 in tall and 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water28 in tall and 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Cecelia Alexander https://www.inaturalist.org/people/aspidoscelis, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
- Photo 2: "Mentzelia decapetala - Cecelia Alexander 01" by Cecelia Alexander https://www.inaturalist.org/people/aspidoscelis is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en/.
- Photo 3: "Mentzelia decapetala kz02" by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 4: "Mentzelia decapetala kz01" by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 5: Alaina Krakowiak https://www.inaturalist.org/people/alainakrakowiak, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
- Photo 6: Kara White https://www.inaturalist.org/people/kara_white
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 28 in tall and 18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- mid summer, late summer, early fall
- Bloom color
- white, cream
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Star Flower/Blazing-Star good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Star Flower/Blazing-Star is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Star Flower/Blazing-Star get?
- It matures to about 28 in tall and 18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Star Flower/Blazing-Star?
- Space Star Flower/Blazing-Star about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Star Flower/Blazing-Star hardy on the Front Range?
- Star Flower/Blazing-Star is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Star Flower/Blazing-Star need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Star Flower/Blazing-Star native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Star Flower/Blazing-Star deer-resistant?
- Star Flower/Blazing-Star is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Star Flower/Blazing-Star a good firewise plant near the house?
- Star Flower/Blazing-Star is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Star Flower/Blazing-Star bloom?
- Star Flower/Blazing-Star blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
