Hoffmannseggia microphylla
Wand holdback
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Hoffmannseggia microphylla (Wand holdback) is a native California shrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by clear size and habitat distinctions.
Wand holdback is a California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada and southern Desert regions in sandy soils at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering in April, this plant produces yellow flowers with distinctive red markings on the banner petals, spreading 6 to 12 millimeters wide. Growing erect to 2.5 meters tall with a woody taproot, it has delicate compound leaves 2 to 5 centimeters long with 3 to 7 small secondary leaflets. Its leaves feature fine, tiny leaflets measuring 1.5 to 3.5 millimeters long, creating a soft, intricate foliage texture. The fruit is distinctively sickle-shaped, measuring 18 to 23 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; clear size and habitat distinctions
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common in sandy soils
Elevation: < 1000 m
California counties: Riverside, Imperial, Los Angeles, San Diego
Outside California: Arizona, Mexico
Bloom period
Hoffmannseggia microphylla blooms Apr.
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 microphylla native to California?
Yes. Hoffmannseggia microphylla is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Hoffmannseggia microphylla bloom?
Hoffmannseggia microphylla blooms Apr.
Where in California does Hoffmannseggia microphylla grow?
Hoffmannseggia microphylla occurs in Riverside, Imperial, Los Angeles, San Diego, at elevations of < 1000 m.
What plant family does Hoffmannseggia microphylla belong to?
Hoffmannseggia microphylla is in the Fabaceae family, genus Hoffmannseggia.
What habitat does Hoffmannseggia microphylla grow in?
Hoffmannseggia microphylla grows in Common in sandy soils.
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.