Palmer's spineflower facts for kids

Palmer's spineflower (scientific name: Chorizanthe palmeri) is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the buckwheat family. This special plant grows only in California. You can find it in the Central Coast Ranges, specifically in parts of Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties.

Where Does It Live?

Palmer's spineflower likes to grow on mountain slopes. It prefers a special kind of ground called serpentine soil. This soil is unique because it has certain minerals that many other plants don't like. But Palmer's spineflower thrives there!

What Does It Look Like?

This plant can look a bit different depending on where it grows. Even though groups of these plants might look slightly varied, they are all still considered the same species.

Generally, Palmer's spineflower stands upright and can grow up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. Its stems, leaves, and flowers often have a beautiful reddish or purple-red color.

Its Amazing Color

When many Palmer's spineflowers bloom together, they create a stunning sight. Their bright red or purple color can be so strong that you might even spot them from an airplane! They look like a splash of red against the brown hillsides.

The Flowers

The flowers of Palmer's spineflower grow in a cluster. Each cluster is surrounded by six special leaves called bracts. These bracts are also red or purple and have little hooked tips, almost like tiny claws.

Each tiny flower is only a few millimeters wide. It can be red or purple, often with a white or yellow center.