La Graciosa thistle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Graciosa thistle |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cirsium
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| Species: |
loncholepis
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The La Graciosa thistle (Cirsium loncholepis) is a very rare type of thistle plant. It is found only in California. Specifically, it grows in a small area where San Luis Obispo County meets Santa Barbara County. This special plant is considered an endangered species by the United States government. This means it is at risk of disappearing forever.
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About the La Graciosa Thistle
What Does It Look Like?
The La Graciosa thistle can grow quite tall. It sometimes reaches over a meter (about 3 feet) in height. It often forms a small mound with thick, ridged stems. Its leaves are long, with the lowest ones reaching almost 30 centimeters (about 1 foot). They have deep cuts and wavy, toothed edges.
At the top of the plant, you'll find a tight group of flower heads. Each flower head is about 3 to 4 centimeters long. These flower heads are surrounded by spiny leaves called phyllaries. Inside, they are filled with white flowers that have a purple tint. The parts that hold pollen, called anthers, are purple. After the flowers bloom, the plant produces a small, flat fruit. This fruit is called an achene. It is only a few millimeters long. On top of the achene is a feathery part called a pappus. This pappus can be up to 2.5 centimeters long.
Where Does This Thistle Grow?
The La Graciosa thistle is endemic to California. This means it naturally grows nowhere else in the world. It lives in about 15 known places. These places are mostly wetlands. You can find it in coastal scrub areas and sand dunes. It also grows in marshes and moist grasslands. These habitats are often near rivers. For example, it grows in the watersheds of rivers like the Santa Maria River.
Why Is It Rare?
The La Graciosa thistle is listed as a federally endangered species. This means it has strong legal protection. Scientists are always studying plants to understand them better. Some taxonomy studies suggest that this thistle might actually be part of a more common species. This common species is called Cirsium scariosum. If these studies are confirmed, the conservation status of the La Graciosa thistle might be changed. This could affect how it is protected.
