Sclerolepis facts for kids

Sclerolepis is a type of aquatic plant that grows in water. It is found in the eastern United States. There is only one known species of this plant, called Sclerolepis uniflora, which is also known as the pink bogbutton.

This plant likes to live in ponds and other very wet places.

How It Grows

The pink bogbutton is special because it can change how it looks depending on how much water is around.

When there is a lot of water, the plant lives completely underwater. Its stems grow long and its leaves are soft and stretched out. During this time, it does not grow any flowers.

But when the water level drops, the plant changes. It starts to look more like plants you see on land. Its stem stands up straight, and it begins to grow beautiful pink flowers. This usually happens in the summer and fall.

Where It Lives

The pink bogbutton is quite common in the southeastern United States. You can find it in states like Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina. It also grows further north, but less often, all the way up to New Hampshire.

Plant Family

Sclerolepis belongs to a large plant family called the aster family (Asteraceae). This family includes many well-known flowers like sunflowers and daisies.

Within the aster family, Sclerolepis is part of a smaller group called the Eupatorieae tribe. Scientists think it is related to two other plants that also grow in water: Shinnersia and Trichocoronis.