Pacific popcornflower facts for kids

Plagiobothrys tenellus, also known as the Pacific popcornflower or slender popcornflower, is a small flowering plant. It belongs to the borage family. You can find this plant growing naturally in western North America, stretching from British Columbia in Canada all the way down to Mexico. It's a common sight in many different types of natural areas.

What is the Pacific Popcornflower?

The Pacific popcornflower is an annual herb. This means it grows from a seed, flowers, produces new seeds, and then dies all within one year. It usually grows several straight stems that can reach up to about 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) tall.

Appearance of the Plant

This plant has a very hairy feel, covered in long, white hairs. Its main leaves grow in a circle close to the ground, forming what looks like a "rosette." There are also a few smaller leaves found along the stems.

Its Flowers and Fruits

The plant's flowers grow in a special cluster called an inflorescence. This cluster looks like a coiling branch with many tiny white flowers. Each flower is very small, only about 1 to 3 millimeters wide. They have five small petals. After the flowers bloom, they turn into tiny fruits called nutlets. These nutlets are shaped like a cross and are covered with small bumps and grooves.