Ericameria laricifolia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ericameria laricifolia |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ericameria
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| Species: |
laricifolia
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Ericameria laricifolia is a type of flowering plant that grows like a bush. People often call it the turpentine bush or turpentine-brush because of its strong smell. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes plants like daisies and sunflowers. This plant is found naturally in North America, especially in the southwestern United States (like Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, southwestern Utah, southern Nevada, and southeastern California) and northern Mexico (in the state of Chihuahua).
What the Turpentine Bush Looks Like
The turpentine bush is a shrub, which means it's a woody plant smaller than a tree. It usually grows to be about 50 to 100 centimeters (20 to 40 inches) tall.
This plant often feels smooth and doesn't have much hair. It can also be a bit sticky because of tiny glands on its surface, and it has a strong, pleasant smell.
The lower parts of the plant sometimes have bare stems. However, the upper branches are covered with many leaves. These leaves are shaped like needles and have pointed tips. They are about one to three centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long.
Flowers and How They Grow
The turpentine bush has many branches that stand upright. These branches hold groups of bright, golden yellow flower heads. Each flower head is made up of two types of tiny flowers:
- Up to 16 long disc florets, which are the small, tube-shaped flowers in the center.
- As many as 6 ray florets, which are the petal-like flowers around the edge.
Where it Grows
The turpentine bush likes to grow in dry places like deserts and woodlands. It can be found in areas with scrubby plants.
