San Joaquin snakeweed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Joaquin snakeweed |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gutierrezia
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| Species: |
californica
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| Synonyms | |
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The Gutierrezia californica, also known as the San Joaquin snakeweed or California matchweed, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers. This plant is found naturally in North America. You can see it growing in California and Arizona in the United States, and in Baja California in Mexico. It prefers sunny spots with sandy or rocky soil. You'll often find it in grasslands, scrublands, or open woodlands.
What is California Matchweed?
The California matchweed is a small plant that looks a bit like a tiny bush. It usually grows to about half a meter (20 inches) tall. Its stems can be gray or red and often grow in clumps or spread out. These stems have many small, thin, green leaves.
How Does it Look?
At the end of each branch, you'll find a small group of flowers. These flower groups are called inflorescences. Each group has one to three tiny flower heads, only a few millimeters wide.
The Flowers
Each small flower head is made up of different kinds of yellow flowers:
- Disc florets: These are the small, tube-shaped flowers in the center of the head. They have long parts called styles that stick out.
- Ray florets: These are the flat, petal-like flowers around the edge of the head. They look like the petals of a daisy.
