Sand Blazing Star, also known as White-bract Blazing Star
Mentzelia involucrata
Family: Loasaceae (Stickleaf)
Fun Facts
The Sand Blazing Star gets its common name from its tall, spiky stems that are topped with bright yellow flowers. The seeds of Mentzelia involucrata are edible and were a traditional food source for Native American tribes.
Habitat
Sand Blazing Stars are native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of North America as well as Nevada, Arizona and Baja California (Mexico). They can be found in open, rocky or sandy places, below 3,000 feet.
Bloom Season
January-May
I have observed this wildflower in 2023 in the following Southern California desert areas:
Joshua Tree National Park, Cottonwood area (March and April 2023)
Sources
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/77999-Mentzelia-involucrata
https://www.americansouthwest.net/plants/wildflowers/mentzelia-involucrata.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentzelia_involucrata