Kids Research Express

Garden Geranium The popular garden geranium, genus Pelargonium, grows best in warm, dry climates, where the plant may reach the size of a bush. The common zonal variety is pictured here. Its single or double rounded petals come in many colors. Garden Larkspur The garden larkspur, native to northern temperate regions, is a fast-growing, branching, annual flowering plant, grown for its colorful white, pink, or blue flowers. Reaching a height of 1.2 m (4 ft), larkspur grows best in a sunny location in fertile, well-drained soils. Plants of this genus may be especially susceptible to damage from slugs and snails. Garden Nasturtium The common garden nasturtium, a variety of Tropaeolum majus, is cultivated for its attractive flowers and edible foliage. The nasturtium originally came from South America. Golden Poppy The golden poppy, also known as the California poppy, is the state flower of California, where it grows wild. Most species of poppy are quite easy to cult...

Composite Flower Family Composite Flower Family Groundsel , common name for one of the largest categories of flowering plants. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 species of groundsels are distributed throughout the world. Member of the large composite flowers family, the groundsel group is diverse as well as large; it includes vines, shrubs, and herbs adapted to both wet and dry regions. Ancient Greek and Arab physicians used the leaves of many groundsels to draw fluids from wounds; the name groundsel comes from the Anglo-Saxon gundeswelge, which means “pus absorber.” Scientific classification: The groundsels belong to the family Asteraceae (formerly Compositae). The candle plant is classified as Senecio articulatus, dusty miller as Senecio cineraria, golden ragwort as Senecio aureus, and common groundsel as Senecio vulgaris. Ironweed , common name for any of approximately 750 species of perennial plants (plants that live at least three years) that include trees, shrubs, climbing wo...