Tuolumne eryngo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tuolumne eryngo |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eryngium
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| Species: |
pinnatisectum
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The Eryngium pinnatisectum is a special kind of flowering plant. It's also known as Tuolumne eryngo or Tuolumne button celery. This plant is part of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots and parsley. It's not very common, making it a unique find!
Where This Plant Lives
This plant is a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years. It grows only in central California. You can find it in counties like Sacramento, Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne.
It likes to grow in the eastern Central Valley. It also lives in the lower parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This plant prefers wet places. You might see it near vernal pools, which are seasonal ponds. It also grows in oak forests, pine forests, and other wet areas near rivers.
What It Looks Like
The Eryngium pinnatisectum is a tall plant. It can grow up to about 1.6 feet (0.5 meters) high. It has a thick, smooth stem that branches out. The stem is usually a pale green color.
Its leaves are long and thin. They are shaped like a spear and can be up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) long. These leaves are greenish-white and have sharp, pointed edges.
Its Unique Flowers
The flowers of this plant grow in round clusters. These clusters are called flower heads. Each flower head looks like a small ball. Around each ball, there are sharp, narrow leaves called bracts. These bracts have thick edges.
The actual flowers inside the ball are pale green. They have small white petals. This plant usually blooms from May to August.
Why It Needs Our Help
This plant is considered an Endangered species by the California Native Plant Society. This means it's rare and needs protection. Its habitats are special and important to keep safe.
