Smallflower thoroughwort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smallflower thoroughwort |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eupatorium
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| Species: |
semiserratum
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| Synonyms | |
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The Smallflower thoroughwort (scientific name: Eupatorium semiserratum) is a cool plant from North America. It belongs to the sunflower family, just like sunflowers you might know! This plant grows naturally in the southeastern and south-central parts of the United States. You can find it in all the states along the coast, from Maryland all the way to Texas. It also grows further inland in places like Missouri and Kentucky.
What Does Smallflower Thoroughwort Look Like?
The Smallflower thoroughwort can grow quite tall, sometimes more than 100 cm (about 40 inches) high. Its stems grow from short underground stems called rhizomes. Think of rhizomes as special roots that help the plant spread.
Its Flowers
This plant has many small white flower heads. These flower heads are grouped together in what's called an inflorescence. Each tiny flower head has 5 small flowers inside. These are called disc florets. Unlike some other plants in the sunflower family, the Smallflower thoroughwort does not have ray florets. Ray florets are the petal-like parts you see on a sunflower.
Similar Plants
The Smallflower thoroughwort looks a lot like another plant called Eupatorium linearifolium. But there are a few ways to tell them apart! The Smallflower thoroughwort has smaller flower heads. Also, its stems branch out more near the top, while E. linearifolium branches more near the bottom.
Some plants that used to have different names, like Eupatorium glaucescens or Eupatorium cuneifolium, are now known to be either Smallflower thoroughwort or E. linearifolium.
