Pinewoods pussytoes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pinewoods pussytoes |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Antennaria
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| Species: |
geyeri
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| Synonyms | |
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Gnaphalium alienum Hook. & Arn. |
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Antennaria geyeri is a type of flowering plant found in North America. It belongs to the daisy family. People often call it pinewoods pussytoes or mountain pussytoes. This plant grows naturally in the western United States.
Contents
What is Pinewoods Pussytoes?
Antennaria geyeri is a small plant that lives for many years. It usually grows to be about 14 centimeters (about 5.5 inches) tall. It has several straight stems that grow from a strong, woody base.
Plant's Appearance
Unlike some other plants, the pinewoods pussytoes does not have a group of leaves at its base. Its leaves grow along the stem. These leaves are shaped like a spear and are a few centimeters long. They are covered in soft, woolly hairs, which makes them feel fuzzy.
Its Unique Flowers
The plant produces groups of up to 25 flower heads. These flower heads are covered in soft, white, woolly fibers. They also have special leaf-like parts called phyllaries that are tipped with pink.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant loves to grow in woodlands and scrub areas. You can often find it on the forest floor, especially under pine trees. It is native to several states in the western United States.
Native Home
You can find pinewoods pussytoes in Washington, Oregon, northern California, and northwestern Nevada. It thrives in these regions' specific environments.
How Does It Reproduce?
Antennaria geyeri has an interesting way of reproducing. It is a dioecious species. This means that individual plants are either male or female.
Male and Female Plants
Male plants have flowers that produce pollen. Female plants have flowers that produce seeds. For new plants to grow, pollen from a male plant must reach a female plant.
Seeds and Spreading
After the female flowers are pollinated, they produce a fruit called an achene. This achene is hairy and can be up to a centimeter long. It has a long, soft, feathery part called a pappus. This pappus helps the seeds float away in the wind, spreading them to new places.
Who Was Geyer?
The plant's scientific name, Antennaria geyeri, honors a German botanist. His name was Karl Andreas Geyer. He lived from 1809 to 1853.
Discovery of the Plant
Karl Andreas Geyer was the first person to discover this specific plant. He found it near a place called Spokane in Washington state. This is why the plant was named after him.
