Shortleaf alpinegold facts for kids

The Hulsea brevifolia is a type of flowering plant. People often call it the shortleaf alpinegold or shortleaf hulsea. It belongs to the daisy family, just like sunflowers! This plant grows only in California, USA. You can find it in the High Sierra mountains. It usually lives at high places, from about 6,000 to 8,000 feet (1,800 to 2,400 meters) above sea level.

About Shortleaf Alpinegold

What It Looks Like

The shortleaf alpinegold is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows in loose clumps. Its stems stand straight up, reaching about 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) tall.

The stems and leaves are green. They are covered in tiny, sticky hairs. These hairs are called glandular hairs. The leaves have very faint teeth along their edges. They grow both at the bottom of the plant and along the stems.

Leaves and Petioles

The leaves are small, about 5 to 6 millimeters (0.20 to 0.24 inches) long. Each leaf has a small stalk called a petiole. These petioles have stiff hairs along their sides.

Flower Power

The plant produces flowers that look like small daisies. These flower heads are about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) wide. They have long, green, and hairy parts called phyllaries around the base. These phyllaries are shaped like a spear.

Inside the Flower Head

The center of the flower head is packed with many tiny yellow flowers. These are called disc florets. Around the edge, there are 10 to 23 yellow ray florets. These are the "petals" that make it look like a daisy.

Seeds and Fruit

After the flowers bloom, the plant produces fruit. The fruit is a type of seed called an achene. Each achene is about 6 to 8 millimeters (0.24 to 0.32 inches) long. It has a fluffy top part called a pappus. This pappus might have a reddish color. It helps the seeds float away in the wind.