California stoneseed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids California stoneseed |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lithospermum
|
| Species: |
californicum
|
Lithospermum californicum is a cool flowering plant that grows in the mountains of southern Oregon and northern California. It's also known as the California stoneseed because of its hard, seed-like fruits. This plant is part of the borage family, which includes many other interesting plants. You can find it growing in different mountain areas like forests, woodlands, and even in chaparral (a type of shrubland).
What Does California Stoneseed Look Like?
The California stoneseed is a perennial herb. This means it's a plant that lives for more than two years and doesn't have a woody stem like a tree. It grows from a strong main root called a taproot and a tough, woody base called a caudex.
This plant usually forms a clump of stems that branch out and spread. These stems can grow up to about 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long. Along the stems, you'll find leaves that are shaped like a wide spear. They are slightly hairy and can be up to 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) long.
The Flowers of California Stoneseed
The flowers of the California stoneseed appear near the ends of the stem branches. Each flower has a special outer layer called a calyx. This calyx is made of narrow, pointed parts called sepals.
The main part of the flower, called the corolla, is a bright golden yellow color. It opens up to almost a centimeter (about 0.4 inches) wide at its mouth. These bright yellow flowers add a splash of color to the mountain habitats where they grow.
