Manyflowered Mentzelia, Adonis blazingstar
Mentzelia multiflora
Family: Loasaceae
What it is like
Mentzelia multiflora is a PERENNIAL. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Dry sandy and gravelly places below 2000 metres in creosote bush scrub and deserts in California.
Western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - raw or cooked. They are parched and ground into a meal. This use has not been verified.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is used as a toothache medicine. The plant is diuretic. The leaves and the roots have been used as a treatment for tuberculosis. It was the strongest TB medicine for the strongest patients.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
TB: Plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a warm sunny sheltered position. This species is said to be a perennial in , whilst lists it as an annual.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist