Cushion daisy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cushion daisy |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Erigeron
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| Species: |
compactus
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| Synonyms | |
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Erigeron compactus is a small, pretty flowering plant. It belongs to the daisy family. People often call it the cushion daisy, fernleaf fleabane, or compact daisy. It gets these names because it grows in neat, cushion-like clumps.
Where It Lives
The cushion daisy is native to the western United States. You can find it growing in woodlands and on mountain slopes. It lives in states like Nevada, western Utah, and eastern California. In California, it grows in places like El Dorado, Mono, Inyo, San Bernardino, and eastern Fresno County.
What It Looks Like
Erigeron compactus is a tiny perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It usually grows to be less than 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) tall.
Leaves and Stems
This plant forms fuzzy patches and clumps. Its leaves are thick and fleshy. Each leaf is usually less than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. They are somewhat rounded, almost like tiny tubes. The plant grows short, hairy stems. Each stem holds one flower head.
Flower Heads
The flower head is about one centimeter (0.4 inches) wide. It has a bright yellow center. This center is made up of many tiny yellow flowers called disc florets. Around the yellow center are ray florets. These look like petals. They can be white, pink, or even two-colored (white with a lilac stripe).
