Watson's fleabane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Watson's fleabane |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Erigeron
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| Species: |
watsonii
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| Synonyms | |
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Erigeron watsonii, also known as Watson's fleabane, is a special and somewhat rare flowering plant. It belongs to the daisy family, just like the daisies you might see in a field! This plant grows in the mountains of the western United States, specifically in Idaho, Nevada, and Utah.
What is Watson's Fleabane?
Watson's fleabane is a small plant that doesn't grow very tall. It's usually less than 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) high. This plant is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years and its stems are soft, not woody like a tree.
Where it Grows
You can find Watson's fleabane on rocky slopes in open areas. It likes places where there are sagebrush plants or pine trees. These are often sunny spots in the mountains.
Plant Structure
Watson's fleabane has a thin main root called a taproot, which grows straight down into the soil. It also has a woody base, called a caudex, from which its stems grow.
Each stem usually has one flower head, but sometimes it can have two. These flower heads look a lot like small daisies.
The Flowers
Each flower head of Watson's fleabane is quite pretty. It has 13 to 25 "petals" that are actually called ray florets. These can be white or pink. In the very center of the flower head, you'll see many tiny yellow flowers called disc florets. Together, these make up the beautiful daisy-like bloom.
