Ladeania lanceolata
Lance-leaved scurf-pea
(c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tim Messick · licence
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Ladeania lanceolata (Lance-leaved scurf-pea) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by Range edge species - western disjunct of a primarily Great Plains genus, recently split from Psoralidium.
Lance-leaved scurf-pea is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the Great Basin in sandy alluvial plains at elevations below 2,500 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white to purple-blue flowers 4 to 7 millimeters long with delicate coloration. Growing with slender stems up to 30 to 45 centimeters tall, it has a distinctive spreading habit. Its leaves feature 17 to 33 millimeter linear to oblanceolate leaflets supported by petioles 9 to 21 millimeters long. The fruit is 4 to 6 millimeters long, covered in glandular hairs and papillae.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Range edge species - western disjunct of a primarily Great Plains genus, recently split from Psoralidium
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alluvial plains, sand
Elevation: < 2500 m
California counties: Mono, Lassen
Outside California: to central Canada, central United States
Bloom period
Ladeania lanceolata blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Lupinus: Ladeania has gland-dotted lance-shaped leaflets; Lupinus has palmate leaves without glands.; vs Trifolium: Ladeania has lance-shaped gland-dotted leaflets; Trifolium has oval three-part leaves.; vs Astragalus: Ladeania has fruits extending beyond calyx; Astragalus fruits are clearly exserted in pods.; vs Lotus: Ladeania restricted to Great Basin; Lotus widespread in disturbed lowland areas.; vs Pediomelum: Ladeania has leaves along stems; Pediomelum has leaves clustered at base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ladeania lanceolata native to California?
Yes. Ladeania lanceolata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Ladeania lanceolata bloom?
Ladeania lanceolata blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Ladeania lanceolata grow?
Ladeania lanceolata occurs in Mono, Lassen, at elevations of < 2500 m.
What plant family does Ladeania lanceolata belong to?
Ladeania lanceolata is in the Fabaceae family, genus Ladeania.
Is Ladeania lanceolata rare or endangered?
Ladeania lanceolata carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.