Siskiyou bells facts for kids

The Siskiyou bells (Prosartes parvifolia) is a very rare plant. It grows naturally in only a small area of the Siskiyou Mountains in the United States. This means it is endemic to that region, found nowhere else in the world.

You can find Siskiyou bells in just four counties. Two are in California: Del Norte and Siskiyou. The other two are in Oregon: Curry and Josephine.

Scientists sometimes debate if Siskiyou bells is its own unique species. Some think it's a separate plant, while others believe it's just a type of another plant called P. hookeri.

What Siskiyou Bells Look Like

Siskiyou bells is a fairly strong and sturdy plant. It has leaves that are shaped like an egg and are covered in many tiny hairs. These leaves are called ovate because of their shape.

How to Tell it Apart

It can be tricky to tell Siskiyou bells apart from its close relative, P. hookeri. However, there are some key differences. Siskiyou bells has ovaries with only one section inside. Its anthers, which are part of the flower that holds pollen, are also much longer than their supporting stalks, called filaments. These small details help scientists identify the plant correctly.