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Bluntleaf sandwort facts for kids

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Bluntleaf sandwort
Moehringia lateriflora 8809.JPG
Scientific classification
Genus:
Moehringia
Species:
lateriflora
Synonyms
  • Alsinanthus lateriflorus (L.) Desv.
  • Alsine lateriflora (L.) Crantz
  • Arenaria buxifolia Poir.
  • Arenaria haenkeana Bartl.
  • Arenaria lateriflora L.
  • Arenaria lateriflora var. angustifolia H. St. John
  • Arenaria lateriflora var. taylorae H. St. John
  • Arenaria lateriflora var. tenuicaulis Blankinship
  • Arenaria pensylvanica Muhl.
  • Moehringia lateriflora var. angustifolia Regel

The Moehringia lateriflora, often called the bluntleaf sandwort, is a small plant. It grows naturally in many parts of the world. You can find it across Europe, Asia, and North America.

This plant is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It spreads using special underground stems. These stems are called rhizomes. They help the bluntleaf sandwort form large groups of plants.

About the Bluntleaf Sandwort

The bluntleaf sandwort is a fascinating plant. It is known for its wide range and unique way of growing. It can adapt to many different environments.

Where It Grows

The bluntleaf sandwort is found in many places. It grows in almost every part of Canada. This includes most provinces and territories. It is also common in the northern United States. You can find it in states like Alaska and even New Mexico. It also grows on Saint Pierre & Miquelon.

Beyond North America, it lives in many Asian countries. These include Russia, China, Korea, Mongolia, and Japan. In Europe, it is found in countries like Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Ukraine. This wide distribution shows how tough and adaptable this plant is.

How It Looks

The bluntleaf sandwort has stems that grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long. These stems are covered with tiny hairs. The hairs point downwards towards the base of the stem.

Its leaves are broad. They can grow up to 35 millimeters (about 1.4 inches) long. The plant produces white flowers. These flowers usually appear alone or in small groups. Each group has about 2 to 5 flowers. The white petals are about 6 millimeters long. They are usually twice as long as the green parts underneath them. These green parts are called sepals.

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