Fringed water-plantain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fringed water-plantain |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Damasonium
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| Species: |
californicum
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| Synonyms | |
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Alisma californicum Micheli |
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Damasonium californicum is a type of wild plant that grows in wet places. It is also known as the fringed water-plantain or star water-plantain. This plant belongs to the water plantain family.
You can find Damasonium californicum in the western parts of the United States. It grows in states like Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, California, Montana, and Washington.
What is Damasonium californicum?
This plant is a perennial wildflower. This means it lives for more than two years and produces flowers. It loves wet places like ponds, riverbanks, and vernal pools. Vernal pools are special puddles that appear in spring and dry up later.
Damasonium californicum is a tough plant. It can grow completely underwater or stand tall on muddy or damp ground.
Plant Parts
The plant has long, thin leaves. Each leaf has a slender blade at the end of a long stalk called a petiole. Think of a petiole like the stem of a leaf.
The flowers grow on a special stalk called an inflorescence. This stalk has several smaller stems, called peduncles, and each one holds a flower.
The Flowers
Each flower has three petals. These petals are usually white or pink. They often have edges that look like they are fringed or toothed. Sometimes, you might see a yellow spot at the bottom of each petal.
In the middle of the flower are six short parts called stamens. These stamens help the plant make seeds.
Life Cycle and Fruits
After the flower blooms and then fades, it develops into fruits. These fruits are flat and have a small beak-like shape. They are called achenes.
Several of these achenes grow together in a group. When they are all together, they form a shape that looks like a star. This is why one of its common names is "star water-plantain."
