Rocky Mountains zinnia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rocky Mountains zinnia |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Zinnia
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| Species: |
grandiflora
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Zinnia grandiflora is a pretty flowering plant. It belongs to the aster family, which includes sunflowers and daisies. People often call it the Rocky Mountains zinnia or plains zinnia. This plant grows naturally in the southwestern and south-central parts of the United States. You can find it in states like Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. It also grows in northern Mexico, in areas like Chihuahua and Sonora.
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What is Zinnia grandiflora?
The Zinnia grandiflora is a small plant. It looks like a tiny bush, often flat on top or rounded. It usually grows up to about 22 centimeters (8.8 inches) tall. That's about the length of a standard ruler!
What Does It Look Like?
This plant has many thin stems that branch out. Its leaves grow in pairs, one across from the other. They are long and narrow, like tiny lines. Each leaf is about 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4–1.2 inches) long. The whole plant feels a bit rough because it's covered in short, stiff hairs.
The flowers are very bright and cheerful. Each flower head has 3 to 6 sunny yellow petals, called ray florets. These petals are about 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4–0.8 inches) long. In the middle of the flower, you'll see a bunch of small, tube-shaped flowers. These are called disc florets.
Where Does It Grow?
You can find Zinnia grandiflora in dry places. It loves open plains, the lower parts of mountains (foothills), and other areas that don't get a lot of rain. It's well-suited for these sunny, dry environments.
How People Use This Plant
For a long time, different Native American groups have used Zinnia grandiflora. They use it for special ceremonies and for traditional health practices. Two groups that use this plant are the Zuni people and the Navajo.
Traditional Uses by Zuni People
The Zuni people have several ways of using this plant. For example, they might make a soft, moist pack (called a poultice) from the plant. They would then place this poultice on bruises to help them feel better.
They also make a cool liquid from the blossoms. This liquid is used as an eyewash. Another practice involves inhaling smoke from the powdered plant. This is done in a special heated room (a sweatbath) to help with fevers.
