Silvery nailwort facts for kids
The silvery nailwort (Paronychia argyrocoma) is a special plant found in the eastern United States. It's known for its pretty, silvery look. This plant grows in two main areas that are quite far apart, which is a bit unusual!
Quick facts for kids Silvery nailwort |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Paronychia
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| Species: |
argyrocoma
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| Synonyms | |
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Discovering the Silvery Nailwort Plant
Where the Silvery Nailwort Lives
The silvery nailwort has a "disjunct distribution." This means its natural home is split into two areas that are not connected. You can find it in New England, which includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
It also grows in the Appalachian Mountains in the Southeast. This area covers states like Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.
Interestingly, you won't find this plant in the states in between these two regions, such as New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. This makes its scattered home quite unique! The plant likes to grow on rocky ground, usually at high places between 200 and 1800 meters above sea level.
What the Silvery Nailwort Looks Like
The silvery nailwort is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years. It has a woody base called a caudex. This base helps it survive and grow back each year.
The plant forms wide mats that can cover a lot of ground. Its stems grow low to the ground or slightly upwards. They are very branched and can reach up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) long.
The leaves are tough and leathery. They are shaped like a spear, which is called lanceolate, and can be up to 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) long.
The flowers grow in small, tight bunches called glomerules. Each bunch can have up to 25 flowers. These flowers are greenish-brown and are covered with long, soft, silky hairs. They also have tiny spines on their outer leaf-like parts, known as the calyx lobes.
