Acmispon junceus var. junceus
Rush lotus
Photo: parent species Acmispon junceus · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Acmispon junceus var. junceus (Rush lotus) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by stout habit and short peduncles.
Rush lotus is a California native annual found in central coastal and southern coastal ranges in chaparral, particularly on serpentine soils, at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces yellow flowers in small clusters with distinctive compact inflorescences. Growing with prostrate to ascending stems that are generally stout, it spreads low across the ground in delicate formations. Its leaves are composed of small, fine leaflets typical of the lotus genus, providing a soft, feathery appearance. The fruit is slightly protruding from the flower clusters, adding visual interest to this understated serpentine-adapted species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 23 sympatric species; distinguished by stout habit and short peduncles
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, on serpentine or not
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Orange
Bloom period
Acmispon junceus var. junceus 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. junceus native to California?
Yes. Acmispon junceus var. junceus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Acmispon junceus var. junceus bloom?
Acmispon junceus var. junceus blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Acmispon junceus var. junceus grow?
Acmispon junceus var. junceus occurs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Orange, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Acmispon junceus var. junceus belong to?
Acmispon junceus var. junceus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Acmispon.
What habitat does Acmispon junceus var. junceus grow in?
Acmispon junceus var. junceus grows in Chaparral, on serpentine or not.
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.