Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis
Stipulate lotus
Photo: parent species Hosackia stipularis · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis (Stipulate lotus) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by . Key features: fleshy stems, narrow stipules, coastal ranges.
Stipulate lotus is a California native perennial found in coastal regions including northern Coast Ranges, central Coast, and southern Coast Ranges in thickets, chaparral, and logged areas at elevations of 200 to 1,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces yellow to orange flowers in compact clusters. Growing with often fleshy stems 15 to 45 centimeters tall, it forms dense clumps in its native habitat. Its leaves have distinctive narrow to wide stipules that may partially clasp the stem, giving the plant its characteristic appearance. The compact growth and unique leaf structures make this lotus an interesting component of coastal California plant communities.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species. Key features: fleshy stems, narrow stipules, coastal ranges
Habitat and range
Habitat: Thickets, chaparral, logged areas
Elevation: 200-1000 m
California counties: Mendocino, Butte, Santa Clara, Ventura, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, Monterey
Bloom period
Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis 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. stipularis native to California?
Yes. Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis bloom?
Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis grow?
Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis occurs in Mendocino, Butte, Santa Clara, Ventura, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, at elevations of 200-1000 m.
What plant family does Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis belong to?
Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis is in the Fabaceae family, genus Hosackia.
What habitat does Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis grow in?
Hosackia stipularis var. stipularis grows in Thickets, chaparral, logged areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Hosackia incana — Woolly lotus
- Ladeania lanceolata — Lance-leaved scurf-pea
- Ladeania sp.
- Lathyrus angulatus — Angled pea vine
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.