New England thoroughwort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New England thoroughwort |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eupatorium
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| Species: |
novae-angliae
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| Synonyms | |
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The Eupatorium novae-angliae, often called New England boneset or New England thoroughwort, is a special plant. It's a rare and endangered species that belongs to the sunflower family. This means it's related to sunflowers, daisies, and dandelions!
This unique plant is found in only a few places in southern New England. You can find it in Plymouth and Barnstable Counties in Massachusetts. It also grows in Newport and Washington Counties in Rhode Island. Because it's so rare, it's listed as an endangered species in both states. This means it needs special protection to survive.
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What Makes This Plant Special?
For many years, scientists thought the New England thoroughwort was the same as a more common plant called E. leucolepis. That plant grows in many places, from Long Island to Texas.
A New Discovery
But then, scientists looked closer at the New England plants. They studied their chromosomes, which are tiny parts inside cells that carry genetic information. This new research showed that the New England thoroughwort is actually quite different! It's not closely related to E. leucolepis at all.
How It Came to Be
Scientists now believe the New England thoroughwort first grew as a hybrid. A hybrid plant forms when two different parent plants mix their genes. What's cool is that this plant can grow on its own, even if its two original parent plants aren't nearby. Because it's so unique and self-sustaining, botanists decided it should be its own species. So, in 2005, it officially got its own name: Eupatorium novae-angliae.
What Does It Look Like?
The New England thoroughwort is a tall plant. It's a perennial, which means it lives for more than two years. It can grow to be over 3 feet (about 90 centimeters) tall!
Leaves and Flowers
This plant has leaves that grow in pairs, one on each side of the stem. They are shaped like a spear, which is called "lance-shaped." At the top of the plant, you'll see many tiny flower heads grouped together in a flat shape. Each of these small flower heads has 5 white disc florets. Disc florets are the small, tube-shaped flowers you see in the center of a sunflower. Unlike some other plants in the sunflower family, the New England thoroughwort does not have ray florets. Ray florets are the petal-like parts you see on the outside of a daisy or sunflower.
