Hoffmannseggia glauca
Pig-nut, hog potato, Hog Potato
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Hoffmannseggia glauca (Pig-nut) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by clear size and flower distinctions available.
Pig-nut is a California native perennial found in the southern San Joaquin Valley, southern Coastal Ranges, southern California, western Transverse Ranges, and desert regions in dry, alkaline flats at elevations below 900 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces yellow flowers with orange-red tones, spreading 10 to 18 millimeters wide. Growing with erect stems less than 30 centimeters tall, it develops deep, tuberous roots that anchor it in harsh desert environments. Its compound leaves extend 5 to 12 centimeters long, featuring 4 to 13 secondary leaflets, each 2 to 6 millimeters in length. The fruit is slightly curved, measuring 1.5 to 4 centimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; clear size and flower distinctions available
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Dry, alkaline flats in deserts, disturbed areas
Elevation: < 900 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, Ventura, Imperial, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Alameda
Outside California: to Texas, Mexico, South America
Bloom period
Hoffmannseggia glauca blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Asclepias: Hoffmannseggia has yellow flowers and fern-like leaves; Asclepias has complex star-shaped flowers and milky sap.; vs Parkinsonia: Hoffmannseggia is a low spineless herb; Parkinsonia is a spiny shrub or tree with green bark.; vs Acmispon: Hoffmannseggia has fern-like twice-compound leaves; Acmispon has simple trifoliate or pinnate leaves.; vs Ephedra: Hoffmannseggia has fern-like compound leaves; Ephedra has jointed green stems with scale-like leaves.; vs Spartium: Hoffmannseggia is low-growing with fern-like leaves; Spartium is tall with simple leaves or leafless green stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hoffmannseggia glauca native to California?
Yes. Hoffmannseggia glauca is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Hoffmannseggia glauca bloom?
Hoffmannseggia glauca blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Hoffmannseggia glauca grow?
Hoffmannseggia glauca occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, Ventura, Imperial, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles and other counties, at elevations of < 900 m.
What plant family does Hoffmannseggia glauca belong to?
Hoffmannseggia glauca is in the Fabaceae family, genus Hoffmannseggia.
What habitat does Hoffmannseggia glauca grow in?
Hoffmannseggia glauca grows in Uncommon. Dry, alkaline flats in deserts, 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.