Pine barren thoroughwort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pine barren thoroughwort |
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| E. resinosum in bloom. | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eupatorium
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| Species: |
resinosum
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The Eupatorium resinosum, also known as the pine barren thoroughwort, is a rare plant from North America. It belongs to the sunflower family, which includes many familiar plants like sunflowers and daisies.
Where It Lives
This special plant grows in certain parts of the eastern United States. You can find some groups of these plants in the Carolinas and others in New Jersey.
Sadly, the pine barren thoroughwort used to grow in New York and Delaware. But now, it seems to have disappeared from those states. Scientists have not found any reports of it growing in Maryland or Virginia either. This means its populations are spread out, not continuous.
What It Looks Like
The pine barren thoroughwort can grow quite tall, up to about 100 centimeters (40 inches). Its stems grow from short underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes help the plant spread and store food.
The plant's flowers are small and white. They grow in clusters called inflorescences. Each tiny flower head has about 7 to 11 small flowers inside. These are called disc florets. Unlike some other plants in the sunflower family, it does not have the larger, petal-like flowers called ray florets.
Where It Grows Best
This plant likes to grow in wet places. It also prefers soils that are acidic, which means they are a bit sour. You can often find it in areas known as pine barrens. These are special habitats with sandy, acidic soil and many pine trees.
How It Reproduces
Insects help the pine barren thoroughwort make new seeds. When insects visit the flowers, they carry pollen from one plant to another. This process is called pollination.
Interestingly, this plant is "self-incompatible." This means it cannot make seeds using its own pollen. It needs pollen from a different pine barren thoroughwort plant to reproduce successfully.
Why It Is Rare
The pine barren thoroughwort is very rare. There are only a few dozen groups of these plants left. It has disappeared from several states. This is mainly because its natural home, or habitat, has been destroyed. People building new homes or roads can sometimes harm these special plant areas.
