other names- smoothstem blazingstar, blazingstar    habitat- dry, sandy to rocky slopes, roadcuts   range- western North America from Nevada to BC, most of California   description- up to 3 ft tall, branching stem with alternate, grayish-green toothed leaves, large showy flower with 5 pale yellow petals and numerous stamens protruding well above flower head   entymology- Mentzelia, for Christian Mentzel, 17th century German botanist, laevicaulis, smooth stemmed from the latin: laevis- smooth caulis- stem  applications- historically used to treat arthritis and bruises, leaf tea applied as a wash for skin diseases

CAUTION: Consult an expert before eating or using any wild plant for herbal applications.