Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius
Providence mountains lotus, Providence Mountains lotus, Providence Mountains lotus
Photo: parent species Acmispon argyraeus · (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius (Providence mountains lotus) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by Providence Mountains endemic with straight fruits.
Providence mountains lotus is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the Providence Mountains in pinyon and juniper woodland at elevations of 1,200 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces delicate flowers in soft white to cream tones approximately 8 to 12 millimeters long. Growing with low-spreading or ascending stems, it forms compact clusters close to the ground. Its leaves are green to grayish-green, featuring obovate leaflets typically twice as long as they are wide. The fruits are slender and straight, reaching 1 to 2.5 centimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species; Providence Mountains endemic with straight fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 1200-2000 m
Bloom period
Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Lotus: Same genus - Lotus is an older name for Acmispon, now considered synonymous.; vs Ottleya: Acmispon has yellow pea-shaped flowers in umbels; Ottleya (a buckwheat relative) has tiny white/pink flowers without pea shape.; vs Eriogonum: Acmispon has compound leaves with 3 leaflets; buckwheats (Eriogonum) have simple leaves.; vs Genista: Acmispon leaves are compound with 3 leaflets; Genista (broom) has simple or very small trifoliate leaves on ridged green stems.; vs Hosackia: Acmispon has tiny gland-like stipules; Hosackia has conspicuous papery or leaf-like stipules at leaf bases.
Frequently asked questions
Is Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius native to California?
Yes. Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius bloom?
Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius belong to?
Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius is in the Fabaceae family, genus Acmispon.
Is Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius rare or endangered?
Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius grow in?
Acmispon argyraeus var. notitius grows in Pinyon/juniper woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.