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 Leaves Bloody Basin RdSue Smith |  Leaves Bloody Basin RdSue Smith |  Plant - summer Bloody Basin RdSue Smith | | | |
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Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Annual
General Desc:
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.
Identification notes: 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.
Height:
2 to 4 inches
Habitat Description: Desert scrub, grasslands, oak/pinyon/juniper woodlands; rocky slopes, flats, along roads.
Plant Communities:
Desert Scrub, Interior Chaparral, Semidesert Grasslands, Pinyon Juniper Woodland, Disturbed Areas
Elevation: Below 5500 feet
Color:
Yellow
Shape:
Irregular not in clusters
Tubular:
Y
Flowering Period:
Mar - Jun
Description:
Tiny pea-like flowers, 1/8 inch long, turning red with age.
Leaf Color:
Green
Leaf Type:
Compound
Leaf Shape:
Palmate
Leaf Margin:
Smooth
Leaf Attachment:
Alternate
Leaves Clasp:
N
Hairs:
Leaves and stems
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
Very hairy leaves, 1/2 inch long, are palmate, divided into four tiny oval leaflets with pointed tips.
Fruit Color: Tan
Fruit Type: Pod
Fruit Notes: Erect oblong tan pod, 1/2 inch long.
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