Acmispon junceus var. biolettii
Bioletti's rush lotus
Photo: parent species Acmispon junceus · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Acmispon junceus var. biolettii (Bioletti's rush lotus) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by wiry habit, long peduncles, and habitat.
Bioletti's rush lotus is a California native annual found in coastal regions including northern Coast Ranges, central Coast, and southern Coast Ranges in coastal sand, chaparral, and disturbed areas at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces small yellow flowers in compact clusters. Growing with generally decumbent and often wiry stems, it spreads low across sandy or disturbed ground. Its leaves are typically delicate and compound, characteristic of lotus species. The plant's thin, flexible stems and ability to thrive in challenging coastal environments distinguish this distinctive annual.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 24 sympatric species; distinguished by wiry habit, long peduncles, and habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal sand, chaparral, disturbed areas
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Marin, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Santa Barbara, Sonoma
Bloom period
Acmispon junceus var. biolettii blooms Apr-Jul.
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 junceus var. biolettii native to California?
Yes. Acmispon junceus var. biolettii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Acmispon junceus var. biolettii bloom?
Acmispon junceus var. biolettii blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Acmispon junceus var. biolettii grow?
Acmispon junceus var. biolettii occurs in Marin, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Acmispon junceus var. biolettii belong to?
Acmispon junceus var. biolettii is in the Fabaceae family, genus Acmispon.
What habitat does Acmispon junceus var. biolettii grow in?
Acmispon junceus var. biolettii grows in Coastal sand, chaparral, disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.