Canadian sandspurry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canadian sandspurry |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Spergularia
|
| Species: |
canadensis
|
Spergularia canadensis is a small flowering plant. It is often called the Canadian sandspurry. This plant belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. This family includes plants like carnations and pinks.
Discovering the Canadian Sandspurry
Where Does It Live?
The Canadian sandspurry grows naturally in North America. It prefers areas near the coast. You can find it along the shores of Canada and the northern United States. On the west coast, it grows from Alaska down to northern California. On the east coast, it can be found as far south as New York.
This plant loves wet places. It often grows in salty soil. You might see it on beaches or in salt marshes. It also lives in estuaries where fresh and salty water mix.
What Does It Look Like?
The Canadian sandspurry is an annual plant. This means it lives for only one growing season. It has a thin or thick stem. The stem can grow up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) long.
Its leaves are long and fleshy. They can be up to 4.5 centimeters (about 1.8 inches) long. The plant produces small flowers. These flowers grow in a cluster at the end of the stem. They also grow where the leaves meet the stem.
Each small flower has five pointed parts called sepals. It also has five oval petals. These petals can be white or pink. After the flower blooms, it forms a fruit. This fruit is a capsule. Inside the capsule are shiny reddish-brown seeds.
