Graylocks four-nerve daisy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hymenoxys grandiflora |
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| Hymenoxys grandiflora | |
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Hymenoxys
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H. grandiflora
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| Hymenoxys grandiflora (Torr. ex A.Gray) K.F.Parker 1950
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Synonymy
Actinea grandiflora (Torr. & A.Gray ex Torr. & A.Gray) Kuntze
Actinella grandiflora Torr. & A.Gray 1845 Cephalophora grandiflora (Torr. & A.Gray) Walp. Ptilepida grandiflora (Torr. & A.Gray) Rose Rydbergia grandiflora (Torr. & A.Gray ex Torr. & A.Gray) Greene Tetraneuris grandiflora (Torr. & A.Gray ex Torr. & A.Gray) K.F.Parker |
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Hymenoxys grandiflora is a unique flowering plant. It is part of the daisy family. People often call it the graylocks four-nerve daisy or old man of the mountain. This plant grows naturally in the high parts of the Rocky Mountains. You can find it in the western United States. It lives in states like Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.
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Meet the Old Man of the Mountain Plant
Hymenoxys grandiflora is a special plant. It gets its nickname, "old man of the mountain," from its fuzzy, gray appearance. This fuzz helps it survive in cold, windy places. It's a tough plant that loves high altitudes.
What This Plant Looks Like
This plant is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) tall. Imagine a ruler standing upright, that's how tall it can be!
Each plant usually has several stems. Each stem produces one beautiful flower head. A single plant can have up to 10 flower heads in total.
The Flowers of Hymenoxys grandiflora
The flower heads are quite interesting. They have two types of flowers:
- Ray flowers: These are the petal-like parts you see on the outside. Each head can have 15 to 44 of these. They look like the petals of a regular daisy.
- Disc flowers: These are the tiny flowers in the center of the head. There are many of them, usually between 150 and 400!
These flowers bloom in the summer. They add a splash of color to the rocky mountain slopes.
Where Hymenoxys grandiflora Grows
This plant is a true mountain dweller. It thrives in high-elevation areas. You'll find it in the Rocky Mountains. This mountain range stretches across several western U.S. states.
It prefers rocky slopes and open areas. The plant is well-adapted to harsh mountain conditions. These conditions include strong winds, cold temperatures, and thin soil. Its ability to grow in such tough places makes it very special.
Life Cycle of the Graylocks Daisy
As a perennial, Hymenoxys grandiflora comes back year after year. It grows from a root system that stays alive underground. In spring, new shoots emerge. They grow quickly to produce flowers by summer. After flowering, the plant produces seeds. These seeds can then grow into new plants. This cycle helps the plant survive and spread in its mountain home.
