This is an annual twining herb or vine that grows out from under rocks and uses its tendrils to climb up grass stems. Plant can be 6 inches high by 3 feet wide. It provides valuable forage for wildlife.
Flowers 1 to 3, generally crowded or 1; style hairs at tip, below, all around; leaflets 4 to 10; leaflet tip acute, 1-toothed or occasionally squared-off; seeds generally greater than 2.
Habitat
Limestone slopes with sandy granitic washes, desert scrub, grassland, chaparral, and riparian areas.
Flower Characteristics
The pea-type flowers arise usually singly along the stem from leaf axils. Flowers are pinkish, pale blue or white in color.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are 1 to 3-1/2 inches long with 6 to 12 leaflets terminating in a forked tendril. The stem is covered with short soft hairs.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Pods are approximately 1 inch long, with 4 to 8 seeds in each pod.
Seed is spherical in shape, very hard and light brown in color with dark brown markings.