Basin fleabane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basin fleabane |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Erigeron
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| Species: |
pulcherrimus
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Erigeron pulcherrimus, also known as the basin fleabane, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the daisy family, just like sunflowers and dandelions! This plant grows in dry, open areas in the western United States.
Meet the Basin Fleabane
The basin fleabane is a special plant found in North America. It's known for its pretty flowers that look a lot like small daisies. This plant is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It grows back year after year from its roots.
Where It Lives
You can find the basin fleabane in the western parts of the United States. It mostly grows in the area between the Rocky Mountains and other western mountain ranges.
This plant has been spotted in several states. These include Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. It likes to grow in dry, open spaces.
What It Looks Like
The basin fleabane can grow up to about 35 centimeters (14 inches) tall. It has a strong, large root called a taproot that helps it find water deep in the ground.
Each stem of the plant usually has just one flower head. This flower head looks like a single flower, but it's actually made of many tiny flowers grouped together.
The outer petals, called ray florets, can be blue, pink, or white. In the center, there are many small yellow flowers called disc florets.
Its Favorite Spots
This plant prefers to grow in dry places. It likes soil that is silty or gravelly. Sometimes, it even grows in soil that has a lot of salt, selenium, or gypsum. These are tough conditions, but the basin fleabane is well-adapted to them!
