Scientific Family
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Sophora sericea, Vexibia nuttalliana
Other common names
silky necklacepod
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Sophora sp., Astragalus sp.
Height
12 inches
Riparian
Yes
Branched from the base with erect or ascending stems; a slightly woody base and slender, creeping rhizomes; stems erect or ascending, branching near the base, silvery-hairy., flower stems are rather densely-flowered with white flowers.
Flowers with 10 filaments free to their base; pinnate leaves; terminal spike-like inflorescences of white flowers distinguish this from other Fabaceae genus. A non-woody plant with whitish flowers distinguishes this from other Sophora sp..
Habitat
Disturbed areas, riparian zones, grasslands and roadsides, in loamy and sandy soil or rocky ground.
Plant Community
Riparian
Grasslands
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
4000
High elevation
7000
Flower Characteristics
Calyx (bracts) <1/4 inch long. Petals to 2/3 inch long. Lobes are less than half as long as the tube. Wider above middle. Petals are clawed, have 10 separate stamens. Densely flowered, terminal, spike-like flower clusters.
Flower color
snowy white, fading to cream
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
June
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves 1 to 3 inches long, compound, odd-pinnately, with up to 20 leaflets. Leaflets are folded longitudinally, have pointed tips, are over 3/8 inch long, narrow and opposite, have soft white hairs below, but no hairs above.
Leaf type
Compound
Leaf color
Light green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Pods 3/8 to over 1-1/2 inches long. Usually 1 to 3 seeded. Constricted between seeds.
Fruit type
Pod
Fruit color
Green or brown