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Schaffner's grasswort facts for kids

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Schaffner's grasswort
Lilaeopsis schaffneriana recurva.jpg
subsp. recurva
Conservation status

Apparently Secure (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Genus:
Lilaeopsis
Species:
schaffneriana
Subspecies
  • L. s. subsp. recurva (A.W.Hill) Affolter
  • L. s. subsp. schaffneriana (autonym)
Synonyms
  • Crantzia schaffneriana Schltdl. (basionym)
  • C. s. fo. aquatica Schltdl.
  • C. s. fo. subterrestris Schltdl.
  • Crantziola schaffneriana Koso-Pol.
  • Lilaeopsis recurva A.W.Hill
    [ = L. schaffneriana subsp. recurva ]
  • L. schaffneriana var. aquatica (Schltdl.) A.W.Hill
  • L. s. var. subterrestris A.W.Hill

Lilaeopsis schaffneriana is a special kind of flowering plant. It's often called Schaffner's grasswort or cienega false rush. This plant belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots and parsley! It's quite rare and needs our protection.

About Schaffner's Grasswort

This plant is unique because it grows in wet places. It has two main types, called subspecies. Each subspecies lives in different parts of the world.

Where It Lives

  • Lilaeopsis schaffneriana subsp. recurva is known as the Huachuca water umbel. This type is very rare in the United States. It is listed as an endangered species, which means it's in danger of disappearing forever. It lives in special wet areas in the desert. These areas are called wetlands or a type of desert marsh called a cienega. There are only 8 known groups of this plant in Arizona. Four more groups are found just south of the border in Mexico.

Why It Needs Help

This plant really depends on how much water is around. If the water levels change too much, it can be hard for Lilaeopsis schaffneriana to survive. Protecting its wet homes, like cienegas, is very important to keep this rare plant safe.

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