Baldwin Lake linanthus facts for kids

The Linanthus killipii, also known as the Baldwin Lake linanthus, is a very rare type of flowering plant. It belongs to the phlox family. This special plant is found in only a few places in California.

Where Does It Live?

This plant is found only in the San Bernardino Mountains in southern California. It grows near Baldwin Lake, which is a natural lake that sometimes dries up. You can find it at high places, from about 5,500 to 8,000 feet (1,700 to 2,400 meters) above sea level.

The Baldwin Lake linanthus grows in a unique place called a quartz pebble plain. This area has special soil with small, smooth quartz rocks. It also grows in open grassy areas next to chaparral (a type of shrubland), pinyon-juniper forests, and red fir forests. The variety of plants and animals in the Big Bear Valley Pebble Plains is so rich, it's like a coral reef on land! This area is home to 17 protected plant species and four rare kinds of butterflies.

What Does It Look Like?

The Linanthus killipii is a small plant that grows for only one year. It has a hairy stem that can be about 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 centimeters) tall. Its leaves are thin and look like needles, growing up to about 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) long.

The plant has a few tiny flowers grouped together. Each flower is shaped like a funnel. The petals are white with purple spots at the bottom, and the center of the flower is yellow. These pretty flowers bloom in May and June.

Why Is It Important to Protect It?

The Baldwin Lake linanthus is a very rare plant. Some of the places where it grows are protected, like the Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve. However, other groups of these plants are in danger. They are threatened by new buildings and vehicles driving in their habitat.

Because it is so rare, the Linanthus killipii is listed as an Endangered species by the California Native Plant Society. This means it needs special protection to make sure it doesn't disappear forever.