Hairy puccoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hairy puccoon |
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| In Nevada County, Arkansas | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lithospermum
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| Species: |
caroliniense
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The hairy puccoon or Carolina puccoon is a beautiful flowering plant. Its scientific name is Lithospermum caroliniense. You can find this plant growing in the Midwest and near the Great Lakes in Canada. It loves sandy places like sandhills, pine barrens (areas with sandy soil and pine trees), and dry, sandy woods.
What Does the Hairy Puccoon Look Like?
The hairy puccoon is easy to spot! It grows about 1 to 2.5 feet tall. Its stem and leaves are quite hairy, which is how it got its common name. The leaves are widest in the middle and get narrower towards the ends. They have smooth edges.
The flowers are a bright yellow-orange color. They can be as big as one inch across! Each flower has five petals. The bottom parts of these petals are joined together to form a long tube, called a corolla tube. The stamens (the parts that make pollen) are hidden inside this tube. The flowers grow in clusters that look flat on top, or sometimes in slightly curled, short sprays.
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Flowers of hairy puccoon at Illinois Beach State Park
How is the Hairy Puccoon Used?
If you wanted to grow hairy puccoon, it needs a sunny spot. It also needs soil that drains well and doesn't have too much lime. Sandy soil is best for this plant.
Historically, people have used the hairy puccoon for different things. A red dye can be made from its dried or crushed roots. This dye was likely used to color fabrics or other materials. The powdered root was also used in the past to help treat chest wounds.
