Wahatoya Creek larkspur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wahatoya Creek larkspur |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Delphinium
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| Species: |
robustum
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The Wahatoya Creek larkspur (Delphinium robustum) is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the buttercup family. You might also hear it called the robust larkspur. This plant grows naturally in parts of the United States, specifically in Colorado and New Mexico.
About the Wahatoya Creek Larkspur
The Wahatoya Creek larkspur is a type of perennial herb. This means it's a plant that lives for more than two years and has soft, green stems instead of woody ones like a tree. It can grow quite tall, often reaching about 2 meters (about 6.5 feet). Sometimes, it even grows taller than 3 meters (nearly 10 feet)!
What it Looks Like
The stems of this plant are smooth and have a waxy feel. They can sometimes be red near the bottom. Its leaves have round, lobed shapes. These leaves grow on long stalks called petioles, which connect the leaf blade to the stem.
The flowers grow in a cluster called an inflorescence. This cluster is usually a long, narrow spike called a raceme. Sometimes, this spike can branch out, forming a wider, more spread-out cluster called a panicle. A single plant can have up to 180 flowers!
The flowers themselves are very pretty. They can be blue, purple-blue, lavender, or even pink. The parts that look like petals are actually sepals. The true petals inside have soft, sparse yellow or white hairs. After the flowers bloom, they produce a fruit that is about 1 to 2 centimeters long. You can usually see this plant flowering from July through September.
Where it Grows
The Wahatoya Creek larkspur likes to grow in certain places. It is often found near rivers and streams in woodlands. It also grows in subalpine meadows, which are high-altitude grasslands below the tree line. You might spot it in the bottom of canyons, among aspen trees, or in open wooded areas.
Staying Safe
Scientists are still learning a lot about the Wahatoya Creek larkspur. Because of this, it's not completely clear what might threaten the plant. However, there are some things that could potentially harm it. These include disturbances from roads, like vehicles driving too close, soil washing away (erosion), or new roads being built. Protecting its natural home helps keep this unique plant safe.
