Little prince's pine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little prince's pine |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chimaphila
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| Species: |
menziesii
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Chimaphila menziesii, often called little prince's pine or Little Pipsissewa, is a type of wildflower. It's a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years. This plant belongs to the heath family, which includes many beautiful flowering plants.
Where It Lives
This plant grows in the mountains of western North America. You can find it scattered in many places there. It likes to live in the shady areas under coniferous forests. These are forests with trees like pines and firs. Chimaphila menziesii is naturally found in the Western United States and Southwest Canada.
What It Looks Like
Chimaphila menziesii is a small plant. It has a thin, reddish stem that usually grows no taller than 15 centimeters (about 6 inches).
Its leaves are shaped like a spearhead. They are a deep green color and feel a bit leathery. You might notice light-colored veins on the leaves. Along the edges, the leaves have tiny teeth that are spaced far apart.
The Flowers
At the top of the stem, you'll find a group of hanging flowers. Each flower hangs on its own long stalk. The flowers can be white or a dark pink color. They have petals that spread out around a thick center. Inside, there's a ring of stamens, which are the parts that make pollen. These stamens have large, tube-shaped tips called anthers. In the very center is the ovary, which has a large, button-like top called a stigma.
This plant looks a bit like its relative, the prince's pine (Chimaphila umbellata). However, Chimaphila menziesii is smaller.
Cool Facts and Uses
Long ago, people used this plant for medicine. They believed it could help break up kidney stones or gallstones. The common name "Pipsissewa" likely comes from the Cree language. The Cree word pipsisikuweu means "it breaks into little pieces." This name probably refers to the plant's traditional use for breaking up stones in the body.
