Cusickiella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cusickiella |
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| Cusickiella douglasii | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Cusickiella Rollins |
| Species | |
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2 - see text |
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Cusickiella is a small group of plants, also known as a genus, that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This family is also called the mustard family. These plants are naturally found in the western United States.
There are two types, or species, of Cusickiella plants. They grow in a low, spreading shape, like a mat on the ground. These plants are perennials, meaning they live for more than two years. They have a short, thick base called a caudex, which is covered with small, thick leaves grouped together. From a short stem, white or yellowish flowers grow. After the flowers, small, flat seed pods called silicles develop.
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What is Cusickiella?
Cusickiella plants are small and tough. They are known for growing in rocky or dry areas. Their unique features, like their mat-forming shape and small leaves, help them survive in these environments.
Alkali Cusickiella
One of the species is called the alkali cusickiella, or Cusickiella douglasii. You can find this plant growing in the hills and mountains across several western states. These include California, Washington, Idaho, and Utah.
The alkali cusickiella has white flowers. Its leaves are usually larger than the other species, growing up to about 14 millimeters long.
Bodie Hills Cusickiella
The other species is the Bodie Hills cusickiella, or Cusickiella quadricostata. This plant grows in a smaller area. It is found in eastern California and western Nevada.
You can tell the Bodie Hills cusickiella apart from its relative by a few things. It has yellow flowers. Its leaves are smaller, usually no more than 5 millimeters long. Also, its seed pods (silicles) have a special ridge, or "keel," along their sides.
Where do Cusickiella plants grow?
These plants are native to the western United States. This means they naturally grow there and are not brought in from other places. They often prefer specific types of soil, like those found in alkali areas or rocky hills.
