Manystem woolly sunflower facts for kids

Eriophyllum multicaule is a cool plant from North America. It's part of the daisy family, just like the daisies you see in fields! People often call it the manystem woolly sunflower because it has many stems and its leaves can be a bit fuzzy, like wool. This plant grows naturally in California and Arizona in the southwestern United States.

About the Manystem Woolly Sunflower

The manystem woolly sunflower is a small plant. It doesn't grow very tall, usually less than 15 centimeters (about 6 inches). That's shorter than a standard ruler! It's an annual herb, which means it grows from a seed, flowers, produces new seeds, and then dies all within one year.

Where it Lives

This plant loves to grow in a special kind of habitat called chaparral. Chaparral is a type of shrubland found in places with dry summers and mild, wet winters. You can often find Eriophyllum multicaule growing along the coast of California. It thrives in these sunny, often rocky, areas.

What it Looks Like

The manystem woolly sunflower has stems and leaves that can be bright green or even a bit purplish. Its stems are a bit fleshy, meaning they can hold some water. The leaves are small, usually about one centimeter (0.4 inches) long. They are shaped like a wedge and often have three tiny teeth at the end. Sometimes, these leaves feel a bit woolly or fuzzy to the touch.

Its Flowers

The flowers of this plant are quite pretty. They grow in clusters at the ends of the stems. Each cluster is made up of tiny flower heads. These flower heads are a bright, golden yellow color. In the center of each head, you'll find 10 to 20 small disc florets. Around these, there are usually 5 to 7 ray florets. These ray florets are like the "petals" of a daisy, and each one is only about two millimeters (0.08 inches) long.