Scientific Family
Fabaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
2 to 4 inches
Riparian
No
Very common plant in deserts and grasslands; forms dense, low-growing mats made up of hairy, succulent-looking small leaves and even tinier flowers. The leaves are very important to the desert tortoise, comprising a third of the tortoise's spring diet.
Decumbent to ascending stems, soft hairy leaves, solitary 7mm long flowers that are sessile or nearly so and gland-like stipules distinguish this from other Lotus sp.
Habitat
Desert scrub, grasslands, oak/pinyon/juniper woodlands; rocky slopes, flats, along roads.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Disturbed Areas
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
0
High elevation
5500
Flower Characteristics
Tiny pea-like flowers, 1/8 inch long, turning red with age.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
June
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Very hairy leaves, 1/2 inch long, are palmate, divided into four tiny oval leaflets with pointed tips.
Leaf type
Compound
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Palmate
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Erect oblong tan pod, 1/2 inch long.
Fruit type
Pod
Fruit color
Tan