Dwarf mountain ragwort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dwarf mountain ragwort |
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Senecio ductoris Piper |
The dwarf mountain ragwort (scientific name: Senecio fremontii) is a small, interesting plant. It belongs to a big group of plants called the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and daisies! This plant is a type of species within the Senecio genus, which means it's related to many other ragworts. It got its scientific name from a famous explorer, John C. Frémont.
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What is the Dwarf Mountain Ragwort?
The dwarf mountain ragwort is a plant that grows in rocky, high-up places. It's known for being quite small, which is why it's called "dwarf." Like many plants in the Senecio group, it often has bright yellow flowers, similar to tiny daisies. These flowers help it stand out in its mountain home.
Plant Family and Relatives
- The dwarf mountain ragwort is part of the Asteraceae family. This is one of the largest plant families in the world.
- Other well-known plants in this family include:
- Sunflowers
- Daisies
- Dandelions
- Being in the Senecio genus means it shares characteristics with many other ragworts and groundsels around the globe.
Where Does it Grow?
This tough little plant loves to live in the mountains. You can find the dwarf mountain ragwort in many parts of western North America. It grows in places with high elevations, often on rocky slopes or in alpine meadows.
Mountain Habitats
- It grows in several states across the United States, including:
- It also grows further north in Canada, in the provinces of:
- It is often found in famous mountain ranges like the Cascade Range and the Sierra Nevada.
Surviving in the Mountains
Plants that live in mountains need to be very strong. They face cold temperatures, strong winds, and sometimes not much soil. The dwarf mountain ragwort is adapted to these tough conditions, allowing it to thrive where other plants might struggle. Its small size helps it stay close to the ground, protected from the wind.
Why is it Called Senecio fremontii?
The scientific name Senecio fremontii tells us a bit about the plant. The "fremontii" part honors a famous American explorer and soldier named John C. Frémont. He explored much of the American West in the 1800s.
Who was John C. Frémont?
- John C. Frémont was an American explorer, military officer, and politician.
- He led several expeditions to the American West in the 1840s.
- During his explorations, he collected many plant samples.
- Scientists often name new species after the people who discover them or help in their study. This is how the dwarf mountain ragwort got its name.
