Elkweed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elkweed |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Frasera
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| Species: |
speciosa
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Frasera speciosa is a tall flowering plant in the gentian family. It is also known by fun common names like elkweed, deer's ears, and monument plant. This plant is special because it grows for many years before blooming just once and then dying.
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Where Does Elkweed Grow?
Elkweed is native to the western United States. You can find it growing in mountain forests, open woodlands, and sunny meadows. It often grows by itself, not in big groups. This plant is a favorite snack for animals like elk and livestock (farm animals like cows).
What Does Elkweed Look Like?
How Elkweed Grows
Elkweed is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows from a strong, woody base. Around this base, it has a circle of large leaves that look like a rose. These leaves can be up to 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) long and 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) wide.
Stems and Leaves
From its base, elkweed sends up a single, very tall stem. This stem can reach up to two meters (about 6.5 feet) high! Along the stem, there are groups of pointed, spear-shaped leaves. These leaves are smaller than the big ones at the base of the plant.
Elkweed Flowers and Life Cycle
One of the most amazing things about elkweed is its life cycle. It grows for several years, sometimes even decades, without flowering. Then, it blooms only once in its lifetime before it dies.
When elkweed plants in an area decide to flower, they often do it all at the same time! This creates a beautiful sight with many tall, colorful blooms. Scientists are still trying to figure out why some plants don't flower during these big events. They also want to know what signals the plants use to decide it's time to bloom.
The flowers grow on a tall, upright stalk called a panicle. The flowers are packed closely together at the top. Below, they are spread out in smaller clusters. Each flower has four pointed green parts called sepals. It also has four yellow-green petals with purple spots. Each petal is about one to two centimeters long. At the base of each petal, there are two fringed, cup-like parts that make nectar. These are called nectary pits. The flowers also have four stamens (which make pollen) and a central ovary (which holds the seeds).
Elkweed usually blooms from July to August, making the mountainsides look extra special.
