Red crowberry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red crowberry |
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The red crowberry (scientific name: Empetrum eamesii) is a cool plant found in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. It often grows in places like sand dunes, rocky areas, and high mountain fields. You can find it in Québec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York State, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Minnesota, Newfoundland & Labrador, and St. Pierre & Miquelon.
What is Red Crowberry?
The red crowberry is a small, evergreen shrub. This means it stays green all year round! It grows low to the ground, with its stems spreading out to form a thick mat. Its leaves are arranged in a special way, either one after another or in circles around the stem.
Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of the red crowberry are small and white, usually growing alone near the ends of the branches. Each flower has three petals. After the flowers, the plant produces round fruits. These fruits can be pink or red.
Some red crowberries belong to a special group called Empetrum eamesii subsp. atropurpureum. Their fruits are usually purple or reddish-purple. Scientists sometimes debate if this group should be a separate species, but for now, it's considered a subspecies.
Where Does it Grow?
Red crowberry loves cool, open places. It's often found in:
- Sand dunes: These are sandy hills shaped by wind, often near coasts.
- Rocky outcrops: These are areas where rocks stick out from the ground.
- Alpine heath: This refers to open, shrubby land found in high mountains, above the tree line.
This plant is well-suited to these tough environments, showing how strong and adaptable nature can be!
