Cliff goldenbush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ericameria cuneata |
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Scientific classification | |
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Astereae
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Genus: |
Ericameria
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E. cuneata
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Binomial name | |
Ericameria cuneata (Gray) McClatchie
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The cliff goldenbush (Ericameria cuneata) is a type of flowering plant. It's a shrub that belongs to the daisy family. You can find this plant growing naturally in the southwestern United States. This includes states like California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. It also grows in northwestern Mexico, specifically Baja California.
What is the Cliff Goldenbush Like?
The cliff goldenbush likes to grow in tough places. You can often find it on cliffs, mountainsides, and rocky hillsides. It is a small shrub that can grow up to 100 centimeters (about 40 inches) tall.
Leaves and Flowers
This plant has wavy-edged leaves that are rounded or oval-shaped. They are usually about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. You might see tiny bumps on the leaves. These are glands that produce a sticky substance called resin.
The cliff goldenbush has many branches that stand upright. At the end of each branch, you'll find a cluster of golden yellow flower heads. Each flower head can have a few or up to 70 small flowers called disc florets. Sometimes, there are also a few short ray florets, which look like tiny petals.
Different Kinds of Cliff Goldenbush
Just like there are different types of apples, there are different types, or "varieties," of the cliff goldenbush. These varieties are slightly different from each other.
- Ericameria cuneata var. cuneata - This variety is found in California.
- Ericameria cuneata var. macrocephala Urbatsch - This variety grows in San Diego County in California.
- Ericameria cuneata var. spathulata (A.Gray) H.M.Hall - This variety is found in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Baja California.