Ramshaw Meadows sand verbena facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Abronia alpina
Scientific classification

Abronia alpina is a very special and rare flowering plant. People often call it the Ramshaw Meadows sand verbena or Ramshaw Meadows abronia. It belongs to the four o'clock family of plants. This plant is endemic, which means it grows naturally in only one specific place in the world. For Abronia alpina, that place is Tulare County, California. You can find it high up in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

What is Ramshaw Meadows Sand Verbena?

This plant is a small, low-growing herb. It lives for many years, so it's called a perennial. It grows in a flat or slightly mounded shape. You can find it on the ground in mountain meadows. These are high-altitude areas with cool temperatures.

What Does It Look Like?

The leaves of the Abronia alpina are small and round. Each leaf is less than a centimeter long. They grow on short stems called petioles. The whole plant, including its leaves and stems, feels fuzzy. It also has tiny glands, which might make it feel a bit sticky.

When it blooms, the plant produces beautiful flowers. These flowers grow in small groups, with up to five flowers in each cluster. They are about a centimeter wide and long. Their colors can range from white to pink or even a light lavender.

Where Does It Grow?

The Ramshaw Meadows sand verbena is found only in a specific part of Tulare County, California. This area is high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Because it grows in such a unique and limited location, it is considered a rare plant. Scientists work to protect its habitat to make sure this special plant continues to thrive.