Sierra stonecrop facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra stonecrop |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sedum
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| Species: |
obtusatum
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The Sedum obtusatum, also known as the Sierra stonecrop, is a cool flowering plant. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family, which includes many succulent plants. You can find it growing naturally in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Its home range stretches across California, reaching north into Oregon and east into Nevada. This plant loves to grow in rocky mountain areas.
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What Does the Sierra Stonecrop Look Like?
The Sierra stonecrop is a succulent plant. This means it has thick, fleshy leaves that store water. It forms a group of leaves at its base, shaped like a rosette. Its leaves are oval or spoon-shaped and can be up to 3 centimeters long. They are often waxy and can be green, blue-green, or even reddish. Smaller leaves grow higher up on the stem.
Flowers and Blooming Time
The plant produces a tall stem with many flowers. These flowers can be arranged in a flat-topped cluster. Each flower has white petals, sometimes with hints of green, yellow, or orange. The Sierra stonecrop usually blooms in late spring, from May to June.
Helping Butterflies
Even though it's not the only plant they use, the Sierra stonecrop is helpful to the Euptoieta claudia butterfly. This butterfly is also known as the Variegated Fritillary. The plant provides a good place for these butterflies to visit.
A Rare Relative: Canyon Creek Stonecrop
There is a special type of this plant called var. paradisum. It is very rare and only found in the Trinity Mountains of California. Sometimes, scientists even consider it a completely separate species. When it's seen as its own species, it's called the Canyon Creek stonecrop (Sedum paradisum).
