Dwarf alpine Indian paintbrush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dwarf alpine Indian paintbrush |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Castilleja
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| Species: |
nana
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| Synonyms | |
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Castilleja lapidicola |
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The dwarf alpine Indian paintbrush (scientific name: Castilleja nana) is a small, colorful wild plant. It's a type of Indian paintbrush, which are known for their bright, brush-like flowers. You can find this plant growing in the western parts of the United States. It lives in places like the Sierra Nevada mountains in California and also stretches east into Utah.
This plant loves dry, rocky areas high up in the mountains. These places are called 'alpine habitats' because they are cold and windy, similar to the alpine climate found above the tree line.
What is the Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush?
The dwarf alpine Indian paintbrush is a small plant that lives for many years. Scientists call plants that live for more than two years 'perennial herbs'. This plant is usually quite small, often much less than 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) tall. It has a slightly hairy feel to it.
What Does It Look Like?
The leaves of this plant are long and narrow, shaped a bit like a spearhead. They can grow up to about 3.5 centimeters (about 1.4 inches) long.
The most noticeable part of the plant is its colorful top. This part is called an inflorescence, which is a fancy word for a cluster of flowers. This cluster is made up of special leaves called bracts. These bracts are pointed and can be yellow-green, pink, or light purple. They also have tiny hairs on them.
Hidden among these colorful bracts are the actual flowers. These flowers are small and yellow, often with purple spots. They look a bit like a pouch. Inside the flower, you might see tiny parts sticking out. These are the stigmas, which are important for the plant's reproduction.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant is native to the western United States. It grows naturally in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which runs through California. You can also find it further east, all the way into Utah. It prefers dry, rocky places that are high up in the mountains. These are tough environments, but the dwarf alpine Indian paintbrush is well-suited to them.
