Chalk Hill hymenopappus facts for kids

Hymenopappus tenuifolius, also known as the Chalk Hill hymenopappus, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the daisy family, which is a very large group of plants. This plant grows naturally in North America.

You can find the Chalk Hill hymenopappus mainly in the central and southeastern parts of the United States. It thrives in the Great Plains region. Its range stretches from Texas and New Mexico all the way north to South Dakota.

What is the Chalk Hill Hymenopappus?

The Chalk Hill hymenopappus is a plant that lives for two years. This means it grows leaves and roots in its first year. In its second year, it produces flowers and seeds before it dies. This type of plant is called a biennial herb.

How Tall Does It Grow?

This plant can grow quite tall, reaching up to 150 centimeters (about 5 feet). Imagine a plant taller than many kids! Its height helps it stand out in the grassy plains.

What Do Its Flowers Look Like?

Each stem of the Chalk Hill hymenopappus can produce many flower heads. You might see anywhere from 20 to 200 flower heads on a single plant. Each of these heads is packed with smaller flowers.

• Each flower head has between 25 and 50 tiny white flowers.
• These are called "disc flowers" because they are in the center of the head.
• Unlike many daisies, this plant does not have "ray flowers." Ray flowers are the petal-like parts you see around the edge of a sunflower or a typical daisy.

Where Does This Plant Live?

The Chalk Hill hymenopappus is a native plant of the United States. It is especially common in the vast, flat lands of the Great Plains. This area has specific soil and climate conditions that the plant needs to grow well.

Why is it Called "Chalk Hill"?

The name "Chalk Hill" likely comes from the type of soil it prefers. Chalky soils are often light-colored and contain a lot of calcium carbonate. This plant might be found growing in areas with these specific soil types.