Whitestem Blazingstar, Rama Pegajosa, Small-flowered Blazingstar
Mentzelia albicaulis
Stickleaf Family (Loasaceae)

Found in dry, sandy areas
Seen blooming in May by CR 142, Abiquiu

The Stickleaf family is so named because their leaves have barbed hairs that stick to clothing and fur like Velcro. The Whitestem Blazingstar starts blooming as soon as it is just out of the ground, as shown in the photo, until it reaches its maximum height of six to twelve inches. The stem is pale in color, maturing to white, growing from a distinctive basal rosette of rough, deeply lobed leaves. The overall plant is more dainty, less bushy and less commonly seen than other members of the family. Flowers have five yellow petals which are orange at the center and are barely ½ inch across. The flower heads are often nodding. Several Native American tribes used the seeds for food, grinding them into a flour or butter. The Hopi smoked the plant as a substitute for tobacco and used it for a toothache remedy. The Navajo made a compound of the leaves for snakebites. Source.

​If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website, send a photo and where you took it to [email protected]. Read online for tips.

Found on rocky slopes, in woodlands
Seen blooming in May on the north rim of Canon de Cobre

Oregon Grape is a shrub growing low to the ground with holly-like leaves which turn red in the fall. Clusters of small yellow flowers are followed by blue-black grape-like fruit which is edible. They are used for making jams, jellies, etc. They can also be made into a refreshing lemonade-like beverage. When sugar is added, the fruit juice is similar to grape juice. Oregon grape has a variety of medicinal uses, primarily stemming from the berberine compound found in its roots and bark. It was used by Native Americans to treat loss of appetite and to prevent bloody dysentery. Its current herbal use is mainly in the treatment of gastritis and general digestive weakness, to stimulate the kidney and gallbladder function and to reduce catarrhal problems. It is taken internally in the treatment of psoriasis, syphilis, hemorrhages and impure blood conditions. Externally, it has been used as a gargle for sore throats and as a wash for blurry or bloodshot eyes. The fruit is an excellent gentle and safe laxative. A bright yellow dye is obtained from the inner bark of the stem and roots, violet and dark blue-purple dyes are obtained from the fruit. Source.

​If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website, send a photo and where you took it to [email protected]. Read online for tips.   

Found in dry, sandy areas
Seen blooming in May on CR 142

Painted Milkvetch is another of the many Astragalus species that grow in our area, identified by their seed pod rather than their flower or leaves. It is easily overlooked because it is so small and grows sprawling over the ground only a few inches high with narrow, folded, hairy, gray-green leaflets. The flowers are pink to purple and about ¼ inch long. The seed pods are inflated, mottled red and an inch long. The botanist who named it thought the pattern on the pods was ceramic-like. Traditionally, the Hopi dug up the sweet roots and gave them to children as candy. Source.

​If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website, send a photo and where you took it to [email protected]. Read online for tips.

Found on dry, sandy, gravelly slopes
Seen blooming in May in Plaza Blanca

Several species of Townsend Daisy can be found growing in our area. They are sometimes called Easter Daisies because they bloom around Easter time. Stemless Townsend Daisies grow in a low growing clump with slightly hairy, narrow, grayish leaves. Flowers are white to pinkish and one inch across often with a darker pink stripe on the back. The flowers grow directly from the root without a stem, hence its common name. Traditionally, the Blackfoot tribe gave a decoction of roots to tired horses to relieve them while the Navajo chewed or took an infusion of the plant to ease delivery, and used it to unravel ceremonial knots. Source.

​If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website, send a photo and where you took it to [email protected]. Read online for tips.

Found in sandy openings
Seen blooming in April in Plaza Blanca

Turkey Peas stems grow from two to ten inches sprawling in a mat or erect. Stems are reddish and hairy. Leaves are on long stems and have 7-15 hairy leaflets. Tiny flowers, about 1/4 inch wide, have purple banners with a white center. Seed pods are red and slightly curved, about ½ inch long. No edible or medicinal uses were found on the internet, nor the reason for the common name Turkey Peas. A Google search found five other plants with the common name of Turkey Peas, multiple recipes using turkey and peas, and dog food.
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If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website send a photo and where you took it to [email protected]. Read online for tips.