Crownscale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crownscale |
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Atriplex coronata var. notatior (San Jacinto Valley crownscale) | |
Scientific classification | |
Genus: |
Atriplex
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Species: |
coronata
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Atriplex coronata is a type of saltbush plant. It is commonly called crownscale. This plant is special because it only grows in California. This means it is endemic to California.
Where Crownscale Grows
Crownscale plants are quite unique. They can grow in salty and alkaline soils. These are soils that have a lot of salt or other minerals. You can find crownscale in California's Central Valley. It also grows on the slopes of the Inner California Coast Ranges. You can also find it in the South Coast region of Southern California.
What Crownscale Looks Like
Atriplex coronata is an annual plant. This means it completes its whole life cycle in one year. It grows stiff, upright stems. These stems can be straw-colored. They can reach about 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall. The leaves are gray and scaly. They are usually one or two centimeters long.
The flowers of the crownscale plant are generally oval-shaped. The seeds are very tiny. They are just over a millimeter long.
Different Kinds of Crownscale
There are a few different types, or varieties, of this plant. One important variety is:
- Atriplex coronata var. notatior — This type is called the San Jacinto Valley crownscale. It is found only in the San Jacinto River valley. This valley is in western Riverside County. This specific variety is very rare. It has been listed as an endangered species since 1998. This means it is protected by law.
See also
In Spanish: Atriplex coronata para niños