Crum's monolopia facts for kids

Monolopia stricta is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the aster family, which is a large group of plants that includes sunflowers and daisies. People often call this plant Crum's monolopia.

Where It Grows

This plant is special because it only grows in one place: central California. You can find it in the Central Valley and the hills and mountains around it. It likes to grow in open grassy areas and a type of shrubland called chaparral. It often prefers soils that are rich in clay.

What It Looks Like

Monolopia stricta is an annual herb, meaning it lives for only one growing season. It has a thin stem that can sometimes branch out. It can grow up to about 80 centimeters (about 31 inches) tall. The plant often feels a bit fuzzy or "woolly."

Its Flowers

At the end of its branches, you'll find small, roundish flower clusters. These aren't single flowers but groups of tiny flowers packed together, called flower heads. The golden, petal-like parts of these flowers, called ray florets, are usually about 1 to 2 centimeters long. However, some plants found in the western San Joaquin Valley have smaller florets.