Oneflower fringed gentian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oneflower fringed gentian |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gentianopsis
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| Species: |
simplex
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| Synonyms | |
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Gentiana simplex |
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The Gentianopsis simplex is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the gentian family. Many people know it by its common name, the oneflower fringed gentian.
This plant grows naturally in the western United States. It loves to live in wet, mountain areas. It's an annual herb, which means it completes its whole life cycle in just one year.
Contents
What is the Oneflower Fringed Gentian?
The oneflower fringed gentian is a small plant. It has straight stems that can be short, only a few centimeters tall. Some can grow taller, up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) high.
Leaves and Stems
The leaves of this plant are shaped like a spear or an oval. Most of them grow at the bottom of the plant. You might also see a few leaves growing along the stem.
The Unique Flower
Each flower of the oneflower fringed gentian grows on its own stalk. This stalk is called a peduncle. Sometimes, this peduncle can be quite long.
The flowers are very pretty! They are usually 1 to 4 centimeters long. Their color can be light blue-purple or a deep blue-purple. Inside the flower, you can often see white markings.
Flower Shape and Features
The flower has a shape that looks a bit like a trumpet. It gets narrower towards the opening. The edges of the flower's petals have a cool fringed look. They might even be arranged in a twisted or pinwheel pattern.
Life Cycle and Seeds
Since it's an annual herb, the oneflower fringed gentian grows from a seed, flowers, produces new seeds, and then dies, all within one year. After the flower blooms, it forms a fruit. This fruit is a capsule. Inside the capsule are ridged, pointed seeds. These seeds will grow into new plants the next year.
