Scarlet globemallow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scarlet globemallow |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sphaeralcea
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| Species: |
coccinea
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| Synonyms | |
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Malvastrum coccineum (Nutt.) A. Gray |
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The scarlet globemallow is a beautiful plant with bright reddish-orange flowers. It is also known by its scientific name, Sphaeralcea coccinea. This plant grows in many parts of North America. It is a favorite sight in grasslands and prairies.
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About the Scarlet Globemallow
The scarlet globemallow is a type of plant that lives for many years. This means it is a perennial plant. It grows from special underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes help the plant spread out.
The plant usually grows to be about 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) tall. It often has a low, spreading shape. Its stems are grayish and covered with tiny, star-shaped hairs.
What Does It Look Like?
The leaves of the scarlet globemallow are arranged one after another along the stem. Each leaf blade is about 2 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long. They are shaped a bit like a hand with fingers spread out. This is called "palmately shaped."
The leaves are also deeply cut into 3 to 5 main parts. The underside of the leaves has soft, gray hairs.
The flowers are a bright reddish-orange color. Each flower is about 2 centimeters (less than an inch) wide. They are shaped like a small saucer. Each flower has 5 broad petals that have a small notch at the end. These pretty flowers grow in small groups at the top of the plant's stems.
When Does It Bloom?
You can see the scarlet globemallow in bloom for a long time. It usually flowers from May all the way through October. This makes it a colorful addition to its habitat for many months.
Where Does It Grow?
This plant is native to a large area of North America. It loves to grow in open spaces like grasslands and prairies. You can find it across the Great Plains. It also grows in the western and north-central parts of North America.
A Plant from History
Did you know that this plant was collected by a famous explorer? Meriwether Lewis, from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, found a specimen of the scarlet globemallow. He collected it near the Marias River during his journey. This shows that the plant has been known for a very long time!
