Orcutt's linanthus facts for kids

Linanthus orcuttii is a special kind of flowering plant. It belongs to the phlox family. People often call it Orcutt's linanthus. This plant is not very common.

You can find Orcutt's linanthus only in certain parts of southern California and Baja California. It likes to grow in places called chaparral. These are areas with many shrubs. It also grows in pine forests. You can see it in the Peninsular Ranges and sometimes in the San Bernardino Mountains.

What Does Orcutt's Linanthus Look Like?

Orcutt's linanthus is a small plant. It is an annual herb. This means it grows from a seed, flowers, and then dies in one year. Its stems are short and hairy. They usually grow to be about 10 centimeters (4 inches) tall.

The leaves of this plant are interesting. They are divided into tiny, needle-like parts. These parts are also a bit hairy. Each part is only a few millimeters long.

Its Flowers

The flowers of Orcutt's linanthus grow in small groups. They are shaped like tiny funnels. The bottom part of the flower is thin and tube-like. The top part opens up into a wider shape. This wide part is just over a centimeter across.

The flowers can be different colors. Some are white. Others might be shades of blue-purple or pink. The inside of the flower, called the throat, is usually yellow and white. It often has tiny purple lines.

Its Life Cycle

Since Orcutt's linanthus is an annual plant, its life cycle happens quickly. It starts as a tiny seed. The seed grows into a small plant. Then, it produces its pretty flowers. After flowering, the plant makes new seeds. These new seeds will grow into plants the next year. This cycle helps the plant survive.