List of Sapindales of Montana facts for kids
Did you know that Montana is home to at least eight different types of plants that belong to a special group called the Sapindales order? This group includes well-known trees and shrubs like maples and sumacs. Some of these plants are native to Montana, meaning they've grown there naturally for a long time. Others are "exotic" or "introduced" species, which means they were brought to Montana from other parts of the world.
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Plants of the Sapindales Order in Montana
What is the Sapindales Order?
The Sapindales order is a large group of flowering plants. It includes many different families, like the soapberry family, the maple family, and the sumac family. Plants in this order often have leaves that are divided into smaller leaflets. They also produce interesting fruits and seeds.
Creosote Bush Family (Zygophyllaceae)
The Zygophyllaceae family is sometimes called the creosote bush family. In Montana, you can find two members of this family. These plants are often found in dry, sunny places.
Puncture-vine (Tribulus terrestris)
Puncture-vine is a plant that grows low to the ground. It has small, yellow flowers. Its most famous feature is its fruit. The fruit is a hard, spiky burr. These burrs can easily stick to shoes or bicycle tires. This plant is not native to Montana. It was brought there from other places.
Syrian Bean-caper (Zygophyllum fabago)
The Syrian bean-caper is another plant from the Zygophyllaceae family. It has fleshy leaves and small, five-petaled flowers. This plant is also an introduced species in Montana. It can grow in tough conditions.
Maple Family (Aceraceae)
The Aceraceae family is better known as the maple family. Maples are famous for their beautiful leaves, especially in the fall. They are also known for their "helicopter" seeds. Montana has three types of maples.
Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum)
The Rocky Mountain maple is a small tree or large shrub. It grows in the mountains and along streams. Its leaves are usually divided into three or five lobes. In autumn, its leaves turn bright yellow or orange. This maple is native to Montana.
Box-elder (Acer negundo)
The box-elder is a fast-growing maple tree. Unlike most maples, its leaves look more like those of an ash tree. Each leaf has three to five leaflets. Box-elder trees are common along rivers and in disturbed areas. They are native to Montana.
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
The Norway maple is a large, shade-giving tree. It has broad, five-lobed leaves. When you break a leaf stem, it oozes a milky white sap. This tree is not native to Montana. It was brought from Europe and is often planted in cities.
Sumac Family (Anacardiaceae)
The Anacardiaceae family includes sumacs, cashews, and even mangoes. In Montana, you'll find three members of this family. Some plants in this family can cause skin irritation.
Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)
Smooth sumac is a shrub that can grow quite tall. It has long leaves made up of many small leaflets. In the fall, its leaves turn a brilliant red color. It produces clusters of fuzzy, red berries. These berries stay on the plant through winter. Smooth sumac is native to Montana.
Skunkbush Sumac (Rhus trilobata)
Skunkbush sumac is a smaller shrub. It gets its name because its crushed leaves can have a strong smell. Its leaves usually have three leaflets. It produces small, reddish-orange berries. This plant is also native to Montana. It often grows on dry, rocky slopes.
Western Poison-ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)
Western poison-ivy is a plant that can cause an itchy rash if you touch it. It grows as a low plant or a small shrub. Its leaves always have three leaflets. Remember the saying: "Leaves of three, let it be!" In the fall, its leaves turn red or orange. It produces small, whitish berries. It's important to learn to recognize this plant so you can avoid touching it. This plant is native to Montana.
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