Oenothera deltoides facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oenothera deltoides |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Oenothera
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| Species: |
deltoides
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The Oenothera deltoides is a cool plant often called the birdcage evening primrose. People also know it as the basket evening primrose, lion in a cage, or devil's lantern. This unique plant grows naturally in the sandy areas of the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. You can find it in deserts and even near beaches!
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About the Birdcage Evening Primrose
What Does It Look Like?
This plant has a grayish color. Its leaves are shaped like triangles and grow near the ground. The flowers are big and white when they first open. As they get older, they slowly turn a pretty pink color.
One of the most interesting things about this plant happens when it dies. The stems curl upward. This forms a cool, cage-like shape. This is how it got its common name, "birdcage evening primrose."
Where Does It Grow?
The birdcage evening primrose loves sandy places. It grows in the hot deserts of the Southwestern United States. You can also find it in northern Mexico. It thrives in dry, sandy soil. Sometimes, it even grows near the coast on sandy beaches.
Special Subspecies
There are five different types, or subspecies, of Oenothera deltoides. One of these is very special. It is called the Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose. This subspecies is an endangered species. This means it is at risk of disappearing forever.
The Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose only grows in a few sandy spots. These spots are found in the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is located inland from the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Protecting these small areas helps keep this rare plant safe.
