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Woolly pussytoes facts for kids

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Woolly pussytoes
Antennaria lanata.jpg
Scientific classification
Genus:
Antennaria
Species:
lanata
Synonyms
  • Antennaria carpatica var. lanata Hook.
  • Antennaria villifera Boriss.

Antennaria lanata is a small flowering plant found in North America. It belongs to the daisy family and is often called woolly pussytoes. This plant grows naturally in western Canada (in Alberta and British Columbia) and the northwestern United States. You can find it in states like Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and even in a tiny part of northern California (in Del Norte and Trinity Counties).

What is Woolly Pussytoes?

The woolly pussytoes plant is quite small, usually growing up to about 20 cm (8 inches) tall. Its leaves are covered with thick, soft white hairs. These hairs make the plant look like it's wearing a cozy wool coat! This is why it's called "woolly."

Where Does It Grow?

This plant loves to live in high, mountainous areas. You can find it in places called "alpine" and "subalpine" sites. These are usually protected spots where the plant can be safe from harsh winds and weather. Think of it growing in meadows or rocky areas high up in the mountains.

How Does Woolly Pussytoes Reproduce?

Woolly pussytoes has a special way of reproducing. It is a "dioecious" plant. This big word means that each plant has either male flowers or female flowers, but not both. So, you need a male plant and a female plant growing near each other for seeds to be made. The male flowers produce pollen, and the female flowers produce seeds after they are pollinated. This is how new woolly pussytoes plants start to grow!

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