American water-willow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids American water-willow |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Justicia
|
| Species: |
americana
|
The American water-willow, also known by its scientific name Justicia americana, is a special kind of plant. It is a herbaceous plant, which means it has soft stems instead of woody ones like trees. It's also an aquatic plant, meaning it loves to grow in or near water. This flowering plant belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is originally from North America.
The American water-willow is quite tough! It's the strongest species in its plant group, called Justicia. Most other Justicia plants prefer warm, tropical or subtropical places. But the American water-willow can survive much colder weather, even as far north as areas in USDA zone 4. You can find it commonly in many places across North America.
Contents
What Does the American Water-Willow Look Like?
The American water-willow usually grows partly underwater. It can reach up to about 40 centimeters (16 inches) tall. It grows from a special underground stem called a rhizome, which spreads out.
Leaves and Flowers
- The leaves are about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long.
- They grow opposite each other on the stem.
- The leaves are long and narrow, like a lance, and have slightly wavy edges.
The flowers of this plant are very pretty and have two colors. They grow in groups called spikes, which are about 3 centimeters (1 inch) long. These spikes grow on a stem called a peduncle, which is about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long.
- The flowers can be white or a light purple color.
- The top part of the flower is usually pale violet or white.
- The bottom part has dark purple spots.
- The side parts of the flower are plain or slightly pink.
- The parts inside the flower that hold pollen, called anthers, are purplish-red, which is unusual since they are often yellow in other plants.
The American water-willow blooms from May all the way to October. After the flowers, the plant produces a small brown fruit that looks like a capsule.
Where Does the American Water-Willow Grow?
The special spreading stems, or rhizomes, of the American water-willow help it grow in large groups. You can often see big patches of these plants along the edges of lakes and rivers where the water is calm or moves slowly. They also grow on rocky areas and shallow spots in faster-moving rivers.
Its Role in Nature
The roots and rhizomes of the American water-willow are very important for nature. They provide safe places for many types of fish to lay their eggs. They also create a home for tiny water creatures called invertebrates.
See also
In Spanish: Justicia americana para niños
