Smoothstem Blazingstar: A Lesser-Known Native Wildflower
If you’re looking to add some unique native flair to your garden, you might want to get acquainted with smoothstem blazingstar (Mentzelia laevicaulis var. parviflora). This North American native is one of those plants that doesn’t get much spotlight in gardening circles, but it has its own quiet charm that’s worth exploring.
What Is Smoothstem Blazingstar?
Smoothstem blazingstar is a variety of the blazingstar family, distinguished by its smaller flowers compared to its showier cousin, the giant blazingstar. As a forb—basically a fancy word for a non-woody flowering plant—it can live as either a biennial or perennial, depending on growing conditions. You might also see it listed under its former names, Mentzelia brandegeei or Mentzelia douglasii, in older gardening references.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has a relatively limited natural range, calling the Pacific Northwest home. You’ll find it growing wild in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State in the U.S. It’s adapted to the specific climate and soil conditions of this region, which gives us some clues about how to grow it successfully.
Why Consider Smoothstem Blazingstar for Your Garden?
Here’s the honest truth: smoothstem blazingstar isn’t going to be the showstopper of your garden. But there are some compelling reasons to consider it:
- Native plant benefits: As a true North American native, it supports local ecosystems and wildlife
- Low maintenance potential: Once established, native plants typically require less water and care than non-natives
- Unique character: It adds authentic regional character to Pacific Northwest gardens
- Conservation value: Growing native varieties helps preserve regional plant diversity
The Growing Challenge
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating): there’s limited specific information available about cultivating this particular variety. Most cultivation guides focus on the more common giant blazingstar rather than this smaller-flowered variety.
Based on its native habitat and relationship to other Mentzelia species, smoothstem blazingstar likely prefers:
- Well-draining, rocky or sandy soils
- Full sun exposure
- Dry to moderately dry conditions
- Rocky or gravelly garden areas
Garden Design Ideas
If you do decide to try growing smoothstem blazingstar, consider incorporating it into:
- Native plant gardens featuring Pacific Northwest species
- Rock gardens or xeriscapes
- Naturalized wildflower areas
- Slopes or areas with poor soil where other plants struggle
The Bottom Line
Smoothstem blazingstar is definitely a plant for the adventurous native gardener rather than someone looking for guaranteed garden success. Its limited cultivation information means you’d be somewhat experimenting, but that could be part of the appeal if you’re passionate about regional native plants.
If you’re new to native gardening or want more reliable options, you might consider starting with better-documented Pacific Northwest natives and perhaps trying smoothstem blazingstar once you’ve gained more experience with similar species.
For those determined to grow it, your best bet is to mimic its natural habitat as closely as possible and perhaps connect with local native plant societies or botanical gardens that might have experience with this particular variety. Sometimes the most rewarding garden adventures come from working with the plants that don’t have all the answers handed to us on a silver platter!
