Fremontodendron californicum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fremontodendron californicum |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Fremontodendron
|
| Species: |
californicum
|
 |
|
| Natural range | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Fremontia californica Torr. |
|
The Fremontodendron californicum, also known as the California flannelbush, is a beautiful flowering shrub. It grows naturally in different places across southwestern North America.
Contents
Where the California Flannelbush Grows
The California flannelbush is found in many parts of California. It grows in areas like California chaparral and woodlands and Yellow Pine Forests. You can see it at heights from about 1,300 to 6,500 feet (400 to 2,000 meters). It likes chalky, sandy, and poor soils.
It also grows in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. You can find it in the California Coast Ranges and other mountain areas.
Small groups of these plants also live in the mountains of central and western Arizona. They are mainly found in the Mazatzal Mountains and Superstition Mountains. You can also spot them in central and northern Baja California state.
What the California Flannelbush Looks Like
This plant is an evergreen shrub or a small tree. It can grow from 8 to 18 feet (2.4 to 5.5 meters) tall. It can spread out 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) wide.
Its leaves are about 1 to 5 centimeters (0.4 to 2 inches) long. They are olive to gray-green and feel fuzzy, like flannel. Be careful, though! The tiny hairs on the leaves can sometimes make your skin or eyes itchy if you touch them.
The flowers are large and bright yellow. They are about 3.5 to 6.0 centimeters (1.4 to 2.4 inches) across. Sometimes they have orange, copper, or reddish edges. The plant produces many flowers, but they tend to bloom one at a time. Each petal has a lovely curved shape that ends in a point.
How Scientists Classify the Flannelbush
Fremontodendron californicum is one of three types of plants in the group called Fremontodendron. The other two are Fremontodendron mexicanum and Fremontodendron decumbens.
Different Kinds of Flannelbush
Scientists used to think some of these were subspecies. Now, they are often seen as separate species.
- Fremontodendron decumbens (Pine Hill flannelbush): This type grows low to the ground. It is about 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall and 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide. It has yellow-orange flowers. This plant is special because it only grows in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Most of them are found in the Pine Hill Ecological Reserve in El Dorado County, California. It needs a special kind of red, rocky soil. For its seeds to grow, it needs fire. This plant is an endangered species, meaning it is at risk of disappearing.
- Fremontodendron californicum (California fremontia): This is the main type of plant we are talking about.
- Fremontodendron californicum ssp. napensis (Napa Fremontia): This form is often grown in gardens. It is usually smaller than the main species. It has smaller leaves and flowers. It grows 6 to 15 feet (1.8 to 4.6 meters) tall and 4 to 12 feet (1.2 to 3.7 meters) wide.
How People Use the California Flannelbush
Traditional Uses
Native American people used the California flannelbush as a traditional medicine. They used the sap from the inner bark. It helped with irritated skin inside the body and with stomach problems.
The Yokuts and Kawaiisu peoples also used the wood from the plant. They made building materials and furniture. The bark was used to make ropes and nets. These nets were used for holding acorns and for hunting.
Growing Flannelbush in Gardens
Many people grow Fremontodendron californicum as an ornamental plant. This means it is grown for its beauty. It is popular in native plant gardens and drought tolerant gardens. It is also used in wildlife gardens and projects to restore natural areas.
If you grow these plants, they need soil that drains well. Once they are established, they do not need extra water in the summer. The Fremontodendron californicum ssp. decumbens is a good choice for gardens. It can even grow in large pots.
Hybrid Plants
A hybrid plant is a mix of two different plants. There are several popular hybrids of Fremontodendron californicum and Fremontodendron mexicanum. They are grown in gardens and include:
- Fremontodendron 'California Glory: This hybrid has lemon-yellow flowers with a reddish tint. It can grow up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall and 20 feet (6.1 meters) wide. It has won awards for its beauty.
- Fremontodendron 'Ken Taylor: This plant has golden flowers with darker orange on the outside. It blooms in spring and summer. It only grows to about 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) wide.
- Fremontodendron 'Dara's Gold: This hybrid has golden flowers for a long time, from late winter to early summer. It grows 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall and 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) wide. It is a mix of Fremontodendron decumbens and Fremontodendron mexicanum.
- Fremontodendron 'San Gabriel: This plant grows 10 to 18 feet (3 to 5.5 meters) tall and 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters) wide. It can be grown flat against a wall, which is called espalier.
Meaning of the Name
The name Fremontodendron comes from Major General John C. Frémont. He was an explorer who traveled in western North America. The word Californicum means 'from California'.
See also
In Spanish: Fremontodendron californicum para niños
