Yellow Evening Star
Mentzelia decapetala
Yellow Evening Star produces spectacular night-blooming flowers that appear to have ten creamy-white petals surrounding a starburst of golden stamens. These fragrant blooms open at dusk and close before morning, attracting moths and bumblebees.
Loasaceae (Stick-leaf or Loasa family)
Summer (June-September), flowers open at dusk
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: nicotianas and sapodilla flowers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The genus name Mentzelia honors Christian Mentzel (1622-1701), a German botanist and physician. The species name "decapetala" means "ten petals," though five are actually modified stamens (staminodes). These wide staminodes are unique among Mentzelia species. The common name "candleflower" refers to the closed flowers during daytime, which resemble stubby candles. The plant was collected during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804. Its evening-blooming habit serves nocturnal pollinators including sphinx moths and bees that visit at dusk.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (at least 8 hours); thrives in harsh, exposed locations
Water
Extremely drought tolerant once established; prefers dry conditions; requires excellent drainage
Soil
Well-drained, Dry, Sandy, Rocky, Alkaline, High lime content, Poor soils
Expert Growing Tips
Deep taproot makes transplanting difficult or impossible
Best grown from seed sown in place
Flowers open near sunset, close before morning
Each flower lasts multiple evenings
Flowers smell like honey
Barbed hairs on leaves can stick to clothing
Self-seeds readily in dry, disturbed soils
Thrives in full sun and harsh conditions
Deer resistant
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Moon gardens and evening gardens
- Rock gardens and xeriscapes
- Native plant gardens
- Dry slopes and difficult sites
- Wildlife and pollinator gardens
- Roadside plantings
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Yellow Evening Star
Why does Yellow Evening Star bloom at night?
Yellow Evening Star blooms at night to attract nocturnal pollinators including sphinx moths and other night-flying insects. Flowers open near sunset and close before morning, though they may stay open longer on cloudy days. Each flower blooms for multiple evenings.
Why is it called Tenpetal Blazingstar?
It is called Tenpetal Blazingstar because the flowers appear to have ten petals. However, only five are true petals; the other five are modified stamens called staminodes. These wide staminodes are larger than in any other Mentzelia species.
Can I transplant Yellow Evening Star?
No, Yellow Evening Star has a deep taproot and does not tolerate transplanting. It must be grown from seed sown directly where you want it to grow, or started in deep containers and transplanted very young before the taproot develops.
What does Yellow Evening Star smell like?
Yellow Evening Star flowers have a sweet, honey-like fragrance that is most noticeable in the evening when the flowers are open. This scent helps attract nocturnal pollinators like sphinx moths and night-flying bees.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Nicotiana
Nicotiana spp. (commonly N. alata, N. sylvestris)
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Sapodilla Flower
Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen
The sapodilla flower is a small, bell-shaped, cream-colored blossom that appears year-round on the sapodilla tree. These fragrant flowers produce sweet brown fruits and were historically important for chicle, the original chewing gum base.
White Prairie Aster
Symphyotrichum falcatum (syn. Aster falcatus)
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