Leptosiphon ciliatus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leptosiphon ciliatus |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Leptosiphon
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| Species: |
ciliatus
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| Synonyms | |
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Linanthus ciliatus |
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The whiskerbrush (scientific name: Leptosiphon ciliatus) is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the phlox family. You might also hear it called Linanthus ciliatus.
Contents
Where Does the Whiskerbrush Grow?
This plant grows naturally in California, Baja California (which is in Mexico), Nevada, and Oregon. You can find it in many different places. It grows at elevations up to about 9,800 feet (3,000 meters).
Whiskerbrush Habitats
The whiskerbrush is common in several types of environments. These include chaparral areas, oak forests, and open grasslands. It also thrives in various pine and fir forests. You can even spot it in lodgepole pine and subalpine forests.
What Does the Whiskerbrush Look Like?
The whiskerbrush is an annual plant. This means it lives for only one growing season. It has a thin, hairy stem that can grow up to about 12 inches (30 centimeters) tall.
Leaves and Flowers
Its leaves are special. Each leaf is divided into thin, needle-like parts. These parts can be up to 0.8 inches (2 centimeters) long. The leaves often appear in pairs, looking like a small cluster of narrow needles.
At the top of the stem, you will find one or more flowers. Each flower has a long, hairy tube. This tube can be up to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) long. It comes out from leaf-like parts called sepals. The front of the flower is less than half an inch wide. It can be pale or bright pink. It also has white and yellow colors with reddish spots inside. The whiskerbrush usually blooms from March to July. The exact time depends on how high up it grows and its location.
