Rusby's goldenbush facts for kids

The Isocoma rusbyi, also known as Rusby's goldenbush, is a type of plant found in North America. It belongs to the sunflower family, which is a very large group of flowering plants. This special plant grows in the southwestern parts of the United States.

Discovering Rusby's Goldenbush

Rusby's goldenbush is a unique plant that was first officially described in 1906 by a botanist named Edward Lee Greene. Botanists are scientists who study plants. This plant is known for its bright, golden flowers, which is how it got its common name, "goldenbush."

Where Does This Plant Live?

You can find Rusby's goldenbush growing in several states in the southwestern United States. These states include Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. It often grows in dry, sunny areas.

Some of the places where these plants live are very famous. For example, you can find populations of Rusby's goldenbush inside the amazing Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks. It also grows in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. These protected areas help keep the plants safe.

What Does Rusby's Goldenbush Look Like?

Rusby's goldenbush is a type of shrub. A shrub is a woody plant that is smaller than a tree and usually has many branches growing from near the ground. This plant can grow up to about 90 centimeters (which is about 3 feet) tall.

When it flowers, each flower head of Rusby's goldenbush is quite interesting. Unlike some sunflowers you might know, these plants do not have the large, colorful "petals" that stick out, which are called ray flowers. Instead, each flower head is made up of about 19 to 25 small, tube-shaped flowers called disc flowers. These disc flowers are usually yellow or golden, giving the plant its common name.