Mexican flannelbush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mexican flannelbush |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Fremontodendron
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| Species: |
mexicanum
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The Mexican flannelbush (Fremontodendron mexicanum) is a special kind of shrub. It belongs to the mallow family. People also call it Mexican fremontia or Southern flannelbush. This plant is very rare. It only grows naturally in the central Peninsular Ranges. You can find it in parts of Mexico and the United States.
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Where It Lives
This rare plant is found in only a few places. It grows in northern Baja California in Mexico. It also lives in southern San Diego County, California, in the United States. Scientists once knew of about ten spots where it grew. But now, they have only confirmed it in two places. In 1993, there were thought to be fewer than 100 plants left. Because it is so rare, the United States government lists it as an endangered species. This means it is protected by law.
Its Home Environment
The Mexican flannelbush usually grows on flat areas called alluvial plains. These are flat lands made of soil carried by rivers. It likes to live in California montane chaparral and woodlands. It also grows in temperate coniferous forests. You can often find it near Tecate cypress trees.
What It Looks Like
The Mexican flannelbush is a tall, flowering shrub. It can also be a small tree with many trunks. It usually grows about 6 to 15 feet (1.8 to 4.5 meters) high. Its branches can spread out up to 10 feet (3 meters) wide.
Its leaves are tough and feel a bit fuzzy. They are olive green and can be up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) long. Each leaf is divided into several wide sections.
The flowers grow one by one along the branches. Each flower is about 2.4 inches (6 centimeters) wide. They are very bright and showy. The flowers have five bright orange sepals. Sepals are like small leaves that protect the flower bud. These flowers do not have true petals.
Growing This Plant
The Mexican flannelbush is grown as an ornamental plant. This means people grow it because it looks nice. Special plant nurseries sell it. People plant it in native plant gardens. It is also good for drought tolerant gardens. These gardens use plants that do not need much water. It is also used in wildlife gardens. These gardens help local animals. Sometimes, it is used in projects to bring back natural areas.
If you grow this plant, it needs good drainage. This means water should not sit around its roots. Once it is settled, it does not need extra water in the summer.
Special Plant Mixes (Hybrids)
Scientists and gardeners have created special mixed plants. These are called hybrids. They are made by crossing Fremontodendron mexicanum with another plant. One common cross is with Fremontodendron californicum. Here are some popular hybrids:
- Fremontodendron 'California Glory' — This hybrid has lemon-yellow flowers. They have a reddish tint. It can grow 20 feet (6 meters) tall and 20 feet (6 meters) wide. It won an award from the California Horticultural Society in 1965. It also received a special certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1967.
- Fremontodendron 'Ken Taylor' — This plant has golden flowers. The outside of the petals is a darker orange. It blooms in spring and summer. It grows to about 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall. It spreads 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) wide.
- Fremontodendron 'Dara's Gold' — This hybrid has golden flowers. It blooms for a long time, from late winter to early summer. It grows about 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall. It spreads 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) wide. This one is a mix of Fremontodendron decumbens and Fremontodendron mexicanum.
Images for kids
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Hybrid Fremontodendron 'Ken Taylor' (F.mexicanum × F. californicum).
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Hybrid Fremontodendron 'California Glory' (F. mexicanum × F. californicum)
