Shultz Stickleaf
UNHP
Mentzelia shultziorum
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G1
State (S-rank): S1
Utah Wildlife Action Plan status
- SGCN
External links
General information
Mentzelia shultziorum is restricted to Grand County, Utah where it grows along Onion Creek in the Navajo Basin. This species is often associated with local shadscale, buckwheat, and ephedra species. Shultz Stickleaf has golden yellow flowers that bloom like little fireworks at the tips of white branching stems. The bright green leaves are shallowly lobed and have a rough surface with visible hairs. These features guide identification of this species within the narrow region of habitat that has shaped it's form over time.
Description
Mentzelia shultziorum is restricted to Grand County, Utah where it grows along Onion Creek in the Navajo Basin. This species is often associated with local shadscale, buckwheat, and ephedra species. Shultz Stickleaf has golden yellow flowers that bloom like little fireworks at the tips of white branching stems. The bright green leaves are shallowly lobed and have a rough surface with visible hairs. These features guide identification of this species within the narrow region of habitat that has shaped it's form over time.
Phenology
Flowers August to September.
Diagnostic characteristics
Mentzelia shultziorum can be regionally confused with Mentzelia marginata which also has white stems and reaches similar height and form. These species can be identified by their flowers and their leaves.
Mentzelia shultziorum has 5 petals with 5 petal like stamens and the upper leaves are ovate to elliptic.
Mentzelia marginata has 10 petals with 5 petal like stamens and the upper leaves are narrowly lanceolate.
Species range
Known from Grand County, Utah where it is endemic to the Navajo Basin.
Threats or limiting factors
Threats are unknown, but may include habitat disturbance from recreation and drought.
Taxonomy
No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies