Hairy dangleberry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hairy dangleberry |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gaylussacia
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| Species: |
tomentosa
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| Synonyms | |
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The hairy dangleberry (scientific name: Gaylussacia tomentosa) is a cool plant found in the southeastern United States. It's also sometimes called the hairytwig huckleberry. This plant is known for its sweet, juicy berries.
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What is the Hairy Dangleberry?
The hairy dangleberry is a type of shrub. A shrub is a woody plant that is smaller than a tree. It often has many stems growing from the ground. This plant can grow up to 200 centimeters (about 80 inches) tall. That's about as tall as a tall adult!
Where Does it Grow?
This plant is native to the coastal plains of the southeastern United States. Coastal plains are flat areas of land along the coast. You can find it in states like Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas (North and South Carolina).
What Does it Look Like?
The hairy dangleberry has interesting leaves and flowers. Its leaves are a dull green or yellow-green on top. The underside of the leaves is a pale green and feels waxy.
How Does it Grow?
This shrub spreads out using underground stems called rhizomes. Rhizomes are like special roots that grow sideways underground. They help the plant spread and form large groups, almost like huge plant colonies!
Its History and Name
A scientist named Asa Gray first described this plant in 1878. He called it Vaccinium tomentosum back then. Later, in 1897, it was given its current scientific name, Gaylussacia tomentosa. The word "tomentosa" in its name refers to the plant being covered in soft, dense hairs, especially on its twigs.
Delicious Berries!
The flowers of the hairy dangleberry grow in dangling groups of 2 to 4. They are usually greenish-white in color. After the flowers, the plant produces fruits. These fruits are dark blue, but sometimes they can be white. They are known for being sweet and juicy, making them a tasty treat!
