Mentzelia reflexa – “Reflexed Blazing Star”

Family: Loasa (Loasaceae)
Bloom Period: Mar-May
Form: Annual
Habitat: Washes, rocky slopes, roadsides
Leaves: Lanceolate to ovate, toothed; alternate
Translation: “Mentzelia” is named for Christian Mentzel (1622-1701), German botanist and philologist; “reflexa” is from Latin “reflecto” and means “bent back,” which describes the petals.