Sierra laurel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra laurel |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Leucothoe (plant)
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| Species: |
davisiae
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Leucothoe davisiae, also known as Sierra laurel, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the Ericaceae family, which is also called the heath family. This plant grows naturally in California, especially in the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Klamath Mountains. You can also find it a little bit in southwestern Oregon.
What Does Sierra Laurel Look Like?
Leucothoe davisiae is a type of shrub. Shrubs are woody plants that are smaller than trees. This plant loves wet places in the mountains, like bogs (which are a type of wetland).
Size and Leaves
This shrub grows straight up and can be taller than one meter (about 3 feet). Its leaves are strong and feel a bit like leather. They are oval-shaped and do not have any hairs on them. These leaves are usually between 1 and 6 centimeters long (about 0.4 to 2.4 inches). They stay green all year round, which means they are evergreen.
Flowers and Fruit
The Sierra laurel has pretty white flowers that hang down in clusters. Each flower looks like a tiny urn or a small pot. They are similar to the flowers you might see on manzanita plants. These flowers usually bloom from June to August.
After the flowers, the plant produces a small fruit called a capsule. This capsule is about half a centimeter long. Inside, it holds many tiny seeds that have little wings, helping them to spread.
