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Sowthistle desertdandelion facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Malacothrix sonchoides is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the aster family. It's often called the sowthistle desertdandelion or yellow saucers because of its bright yellow flowers. This plant grows naturally in many parts of the western United States.


Quick facts for kids
Sowthistle desertdandelion
Malacothrix sonchoides.jpg
Conservation status

Secure (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
(unranked):
(unranked):
(unranked):
Order:
Family:
Tribe:
Cichorieae
Genus:
Malacothrix
Species:
M. sonchoides
Binomial name
Malacothrix sonchoides
(Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray

About the Sowthistle Desertdandelion

This plant is an annual herb. This means it completes its whole life cycle in one year. It grows from a seed, flowers, produces new seeds, and then dies.

What It Looks Like

The sowthistle desertdandelion usually grows one or more stems. These stems can branch out and are smooth, without hairs. They typically reach about 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) tall. Some plants can grow taller, up to almost 50 centimeters (about 20 inches).

The leaves near the bottom of the plant are thick and have several rounded parts, like lobes. The leaves higher up on the stem are smaller and have a simpler shape.

Its Flowers

The plant produces special flower heads. These are not single flowers but groups of many tiny flowers called florets. Each flower head can have up to 115 bright yellow florets. Each floret is a little over one centimeter long.

Where It Grows

The sowthistle desertdandelion loves to grow in sandy soil. You can find it in different natural areas across the western United States. These places include:

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