Sierra primrose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra primrose |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Primula
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| Species: |
suffrutescens
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The Sierra primrose (Primula suffrutescens) is a beautiful and special type of primrose flower. It's known for its bright magenta (purplish-red) flowers and its ability to grow in tough, rocky places. This plant is a true survivor of the mountains!
Contents
What Does the Sierra Primrose Look Like?
The Sierra primrose is a small plant that grows low to the ground. It's called a subshrub, which means it's partly woody like a shrub, but not as big. It has a strong, woody base that helps it stay put. This base is often covered with old, dried leaves from past years, which protect it.
Stems and Leaves
The plant grows from a thick underground stem called a rhizome. This rhizome helps the plant anchor itself firmly in the ground. Its green leaves grow in groups called rosettes right on the woody base. Each leaf is shaped like a spoon, with jagged or toothed edges at the tip. They can grow up to about 3.5 centimeters (about 1.4 inches) long and are smooth, without any hairs.
Flowers and Fruit
From these rosettes, tall flower stalks called peduncles grow upwards, reaching up to 12 centimeters (about 4.7 inches) tall. At the top of each stalk is a cluster of several showy flowers. This cluster is shaped like an umbrella and is called an umbel.
Each flower has a tube-shaped yellow center and five flat, magenta-colored petals. These petals also have jagged or notched tips, making them look unique. After the flowers bloom, they produce a small, dry fruit called a capsule. This capsule holds the plant's seeds.
Where Does the Sierra Primrose Live?
The Sierra primrose is very special because it is endemic to California. This means it naturally grows only in California and nowhere else in the world! You can find it high up in the mountains, specifically in the Sierra Nevada and Klamath Ranges.
This hardy plant loves to grow in cracks and crevices of rocks. It's a tough little flower that can handle the mountain environment. You can usually see its beautiful flowers blooming in July and August, adding a splash of color to the rocky landscapes.
