Sunnyside green-gentian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sunnyside green-gentian |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Frasera
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| Species: |
gypsicola
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| Synonyms | |
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Swertia gypsicola |
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The Frasera gypsicola, also known as the Sunnyside green-gentian, Sunnyside elkweed, or Sunnyside frasera, is a special flowering plant. It belongs to the gentian family. This plant grows naturally in the dry lands of southeastern Nevada and southwestern Utah in the United States. It's a unique part of the desert ecosystem.
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What is the Sunnyside Green-Gentian?
This plant is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It has a cluster of leaves at its base that look like grass. Its stems can grow up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) tall.
How Does It Look?
The flowers of the Sunnyside green-gentian are white. They have a green color at their base and pretty purple spots. You can usually see these flowers blooming in June and July. It's easy to tell this plant apart from another similar plant, Frasera albomarginata, even if they grow in the same area.
Where Does the Sunnyside Green-Gentian Live?
This plant makes its home in the Great Basin region of the United States. You can find it in the White River Valley in Nevada. It has also been found in Millard County, Utah.
Its Special Home
The Sunnyside green-gentian likes to grow in rocky areas and salty dry riverbeds. These places often have special types of soil. When the plant was first named, people thought its soil had a lot of gypsum. But later studies showed there's actually very little, if any, gypsum there.
Plant Neighbors
Many other plants grow near the Sunnyside green-gentian. Some of its plant neighbors include Artemisia pygmaea, Artemisia tridentata, and Sarcobatus vermiculatus. You might also see Elymus cinereus, Elymus elymoides, and Sporobolus airoides growing nearby.
Why This Plant Needs Our Help
The Sunnyside green-gentian faces some challenges that threaten its survival. Its home, or habitat, can be damaged. This damage often comes from cattle walking and grazing in the area. Vehicles driving off-road can also harm the plant's habitat. Protecting these areas helps keep the Sunnyside green-gentian safe.
