Mono Craters Blazing Star
Image: Mary DeDecker (cc-by-nc)
NameMono Craters Blazing Star
Scientific NameMentzelia monoensis
Common NamesMono Craters Blazing Star
Plant FamilyLoasaceae
Natural HabitatEndemic to the Mono Basin of California, specifically found in volcanic soils and greasewood scrub communities around Mono Lake and Paoha Island. It thrives in arid, high-desert environments at elevations around 6480 feet.
Parts Usedwhole_plant,flower,leaf
Medicinal Actionsanti-inflammatory,demulcent
Traditional UsesSpecific traditional medicinal uses for Mentzelia monoensis are not well-documented due to its rarity and restricted range. However, other Mentzelia species have been traditionally used by Native American tribes for various purposes, including poultices for skin ailments and as a food source.
Preparation Methodsinfusion,poultice
Contraindications & WarningsNot well-documented for this specific species. As with any wild plant, caution is advised, especially given the presence of barbed hairs on some Mentzelia species which can cause irritation.
Cultivation NotesRequires full sun and extremely well-drained, often volcanic or sandy soils. It is highly adapted to arid, high-desert conditions and is drought-tolerant. Cultivation is generally challenging outside its native habitat.
Rarityrare
Description
A herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial, this plant is characterized by its slender, often branched stems and deeply lobed to pinnatifid leaves. It produces small, yellowish flowers and is typically covered in characteristic barbed hairs, common to the Mentzelia genus.
