Reclined gumweed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reclined gumweed |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Grindelia
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| Species: |
decumbens
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| Synonyms | |
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Grindelia decumbens, also known as the reclined gumweed, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the daisy family, which includes many familiar flowers like sunflowers and daisies. This plant grows naturally in the southwestern United States, mainly in New Mexico and Colorado.
What is Reclined Gumweed?
The reclined gumweed is a plant that comes back year after year. This means it is a perennial herb. It can grow to be about 80 centimeters (around 31 inches) tall. The name "gumweed" comes from the sticky, resin-like substance found on its flower buds and sometimes on its leaves. This sticky stuff can feel a bit like gum!
Where Does It Grow?
Reclined gumweed likes to grow in dry places. You can often find it on sunny hills and wide-open plains. It also likes to grow along the edges of streams. This shows it can adapt to different environments, as long as they are not too wet.
How Does It Look?
This plant usually has many flower heads. These flowers grow in groups that spread out like branches. Each flower head is like a mini-bouquet. It has two main parts:
- Ray flowers: These are the petal-like parts around the outside. A single flower head can have between 12 and 24 of these. They are usually bright yellow.
- Disc flowers: These are the tiny flowers packed tightly in the center of the head. There are many, many of these small flowers.
The leaves of the reclined gumweed are often green and can have slightly toothed edges. The plant's stems are usually upright, but the name "reclined" might refer to how some parts of the plant, like the branches, can spread out.
Its Life Cycle
As a perennial plant, the reclined gumweed lives for more than two years. Each year, it grows new stems and leaves from its roots. It then produces its bright yellow flowers, usually in late summer or fall. These flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After the flowers are pollinated, they produce seeds. These seeds can then grow into new plants, starting the cycle all over again.
