Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi
Ottley's stipulate lotus
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi (Ottley's stipulate lotus) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by wiry stems and clasping stipules diagnostic.
Ottley's stipulate lotus is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern California Ranges, and southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in open pine forests and streambeds at elevations of 600 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces small yellow flowers with distinctive wide stipules that clasp the stem. Growing with wiry stems that create a delicate, compact structure, it develops a slender and intricate growth habit. Its leaves feature prominent wide stipules that wrap around and grip the stem, creating a unique botanical characteristic. The plant's slender, adaptable form allows it to thrive in the transitional environments of pine forest margins and streamside habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; wiry stems and clasping stipules diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open pine forest, streambeds
Elevation: 600-1200 m
California counties: Shasta, Butte, Plumas, Trinity, Tehama
Bloom period
Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Acmispon: Hosackia has conspicuous papery or leafy stipules; Acmispon stipules tiny or absent.; vs Lathyrus: Hosackia has umbrella clusters; Lathyrus flowers on stalks with leaves having tendrils.; vs Lotus: Hosackia is native perennial in natural habitats; Lotus is introduced in disturbed sites.; vs Vicia: Hosackia flowers in umbels; Vicia flowers in rows with leaves ending in tendrils.; vs Securigera: Hosackia pods split open straight; Securigera pods break into curved segments.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi native to California?
Yes. Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi bloom?
Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi grow?
Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi occurs in Shasta, Butte, Plumas, Trinity, Tehama, at elevations of 600-1200 m.
What plant family does Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi belong to?
Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi is in the Fabaceae family, genus Hosackia.
What habitat does Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi grow in?
Hosackia stipularis var. ottleyi grows in Open pine forest, streambeds.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis — Stipulate lotus
- Hosackia yollabolliensis — Yolla bolly mountains bird's-foot trefoil
- Hosackia crassifolia — Broad leaved lotus
- Hosackia crassifolia var. crassifolia — Broad leaved lotus
- Hosackia crassifolia var. otayensis — Otay mountain hosackia
- Hosackia gracilis — Harlequin lotus
- Ladeania lanceolata — Lance-leaved scurf-pea
- Ladeania sp.
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.