Scientific Family
Fabaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Similar species
D. filiformis
Height
8 inches
Riparian
No
An erect forb with flowers on a cylindrical spike. Has a tap root.
Elliptic leaftlets with a longer terminal leaflet disthinguishes this species from D. filiformis.
Habitat
Referenced as being found in pine forests, grasslands and open rocky slopes.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Low elevation
5500
High elevation
9000
Flower Characteristics
Flowers appear along 3/4 inch long and 1/4 inch thick oblong spike. Lower leaf of flower is slightly over 1/16 inch long. The bracts
are covered with hairs and are as long as the flower tube.
Flower color
Bluish-purple or white
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
August
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Has 3 to 11 narrow leaflets. Leaflets are opposite but leaves are alternate. Leaves are odd pinnate.
Leaf type
Compound
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Pods are ovoid and hairy.
Fruit type
Pod