Hoosier Pass ipomopsis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hoosier Pass ipomopsis |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ipomopsis
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| Species: |
globularis
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Ipomopsis globularis is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the phlox family. People often call it the Hoosier Pass ipomopsis. This plant is only found in Colorado, USA. It grows high up in the Rocky Mountains. Being "endemic" means it naturally lives only in this specific area and nowhere else in the world.
Contents
Discover the Hoosier Pass Ipomopsis
What Does This Plant Look Like?
The Hoosier Pass ipomopsis is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. Its leaves mostly grow around the bottom of the plant. A round cluster of flowers sits on top of a fuzzy stem. This stem can grow up to about 6 inches (15 centimeters) tall.
The flowers are usually pinkish or bluish-white. Each flower is more than one centimeter wide. They are also known for their pleasant smell.
Where Does This Plant Live?
This unique plant is found only in and around the Mosquito Range of the Rocky Mountains. A good example of where it grows is Hoosier Pass. It loves the cold, windy alpine climate found on mountain ridges.
You can find it growing at very high elevations, sometimes up to 14,000 feet (4,270 meters) above sea level! It prefers soils that are rich in calcium, called "calcareous soils." The plants often grow in open meadows or on rocky slopes made of loose stones, known as talus slopes. The ground where they grow can be flat or gently sloping.
Protecting This Special Plant
The Hoosier Pass ipomopsis faces some challenges. One of the biggest threats is motorized recreation. This includes things like off-road vehicles and snowmobiles. These activities can damage the plant's habitat. Sadly, this kind of activity has increased as more people move to nearby areas.
Mining used to be a bigger concern. However, mining activity has decreased in the area, so it's less of a threat now. Another potential problem comes from introduced species of plants. These are plants that are not native to the area. They can sometimes outcompete the native Hoosier Pass ipomopsis for space and resources. Protecting this plant means protecting its special mountain home.
