Lemmon's fleabane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lemmon's fleabane |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Erigeron
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| Species: |
lemmonii
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Erigeron lemmonii, also known as Lemmon's fleabane, is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the daisy family, just like the common daisies you see! This plant is very rare. So far, it has only been found in one place: Scheelite Canyon. This canyon is located on the Fort Huachuca Military Reservation in Cochise County, Arizona.
About Lemmon's Fleabane
What Does It Look Like?
Lemmon's fleabane is a plant that grows back year after year. We call this a perennial herb. It can grow up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall. The plant has many branches and a strong, woody taproot that goes deep into the ground. Both its leaves and stem are covered with tiny hairs.
Each stem usually has only one to three flower heads. These flower heads are like mini bouquets! Each one has up to 60 white ray florets around the outside. These look like the petals of a daisy. In the center, there are many small, yellow disc florets. These are the tiny flowers that make up the middle part of the flower head.
Where Does It Grow?
This unique plant likes to grow in shady spots. You can find it on the sides of cliffs. It prefers areas where there are pine and oak trees. This type of forest gives it the shade it needs to thrive.
Who Was Lemmon?
The plant is named after John Gill Lemmon. He lived from 1831 to 1908. John Gill Lemmon was married to Sarah Plummer Lemmon. She was a very important American botanist. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants. Sarah lived from 1836 to 1923. The plant was named in honor of their work and discoveries.
