Royal Gorge blazingstar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal Gorge blazingstar |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mentzelia
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| Species: |
densa
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| Synonyms | |
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Nuttallia densa |
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The Mentzelia densa, also known as the Royal Gorge blazingstar or Royal Gorge stickleaf, is a special flowering plant. It only grows in a small area of Colorado in the United States. This plant is unique to the Arkansas River Valley in Fremont and Chaffee Counties.
What Does the Royal Gorge Blazingstar Look Like?
This plant is usually a biennial (meaning it lives for two years) or a small perennial (meaning it lives for many years). It typically grows to be about 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall. Its stems are white and hairy, and they curve upwards, making the plant look like a ball. Sometimes, it can even break off and roll like a tumbleweed!
The leaves of the Royal Gorge blazingstar are narrow and also hairy. Its flowers are bright yellow and have pointed petals. Each flower is about 2 centimeters (less than an inch) wide. They usually open in the afternoon. After the flowers, the plant grows a fruit that has a toothed edge. This fruit can be up to 2 centimeters long and 1 centimeter wide. It's designed to stick to animals' fur, helping the plant spread its seeds.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant likes to grow in areas called pinyon-juniper woodlands and open shrublands. These are places with specific types of trees and bushes. You might also find it in disturbed areas, like dry streambeds called washes.
The soil where it grows is often rocky, gravelly, or sandy. The Royal Gorge blazingstar shares its home with other plants. Some of these include the pinyon pine, different types of juniper trees, and various shrubs and grasses.
Protecting the Royal Gorge Blazingstar
There are only about 15 known places where this plant grows. Sadly, some of these groups of plants haven't been seen in a while. The Royal Gorge blazingstar is facing threats, mainly from people enjoying outdoor activities in the Arkansas River Valley. Protecting its habitat is important to make sure this unique Colorado plant continues to thrive.
