Scientific Family
Fabaceae
Other common names
Lucerne
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Annual or perennial
Height
Up to 3-1/2 feet
Riparian
Yes
A deep rooted plant with stems that are generally erect and multi-branched. It has escaped cultivation. Has normal pea family characteristic of improving soil by nitrogen fixation.
Corolla light to dark purple, rarely white.
Habitat
Lives in all life zones at all elevations in Yavapai County.
Plant Community
Riparian
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
0
High elevation
7500
Flower Characteristics
Each flower has 1 large upper petal and 3 smaller petals.
Flower color
Light to dark purple
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Tri-foliate leaves are clover like and have sharp toothed margins near the tip.
Leaf type
Compound
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Downey green, coiled seed pod turns dark brown with age.
Fruit type
Pod
Fruit color
Light green