Acmispon junceus var. junceus

Rush lotus

Family: Fabaceae · Type: annual · Native

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.

Habitat: Chaparral, on serpentine or not

Bloom period: Apr-Jul

Elevation: < 500 m

Bioregions: CCo, SCoRO.

California counties: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Orange

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.