Lotus crassifolius (Benth.) Greene
-
Authority
Isely, Duane. 1981. Leguminosae of the United States. III. Subfamily Papilionoideae: tribes Sophoreae, Podalyrieae, Loteae. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 25 (3): 1-264.
-
Family
Fabaceae
-
Scientific Name
-
Description
Species Description - Erect or sprawling, root-spreading, often rank or succulent and fistulose perennial with clustered stems to 1.5 m. Stems and leaves initially villosulous or strigulose (-villous), ultimately glabrate. Leafstalk 6-12 cm, often curved; leaflets shortly petioluled, (7-)9-15(-19), opposite or irregular, elliptic to obovate, 2-3 cm, 1-2.2(-2.5) r, glaucous beneath. Stipules membranous, becoming scarious, inconspicuous. Umbels strongly peduncled, with 1-5-foliolate, medial or subdistal bracts that are sometimes broken off; flowers usually 15 or more, 12-16(-18) mm. Pedicels usually 3—5(—7) mm, if shorter in flower, quickly elongating. Calyx tube cylindric, 4.5-6 mm, teeth .5—1.5(—2) mm. Corolla initially yellowish-green, becoming red- or lurid purple-blotched or tipped. Petals with long claws that exceed calyx. Ovary 8.5-10 mm; ovules ca. 17-40. Legumes corniculate-clustered, (2-) 3.5-7 cm x 4-6(-7) mm, glabrate; valves coriaceous. Seeds few-numerous. Ho-sackia.
-
Discussion
Lotus crassifolius, common and conspicuous, is recognized by its glabrate (locally pubescent in San Diego co), robust aspect, medially to subdistally brac-teate peduncles, commonly purple-blotched flowers and broad pods. Its relationship with L. aboriginus is noted under that species.
-
Distribution
California to n Oregon (-Washington). Coastal ranges and mountains; chaparral, open gravelly slopes, dry pine or mixed woodland and margins, occasionally on serpentine; conspicuous along roadsides. Ca. 1000-7000 ft. May-June (-July).
United States of America North America|