Lathyrus splendens

Pride-of-california, Pride-Of-California

Family: Fabaceae · Type: perennial · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 4.3

Pride-of-california is a California native perennial found in southern Southern California and the Peninsular Ranges in San Diego County within chaparral habitats at elevations below 1,050 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces wine-red to crimson flowers 25 to 35 millimeters long with a banner dramatically reflexed 120 to 180 degrees. Growing with generally climbing stems that are distinctively angled or flanged, it develops tendrils that coil elegantly. Its leaves feature 6 to 8 leaflets ranging from 2 to 4 centimeters long, which can vary from linear to widely ovate shapes with small, wavy-margined stipules. The fruit develops glabrous and compact, completing this striking legume's seasonal cycle.

Habitat: Chaparral

Bloom period: Apr-Jun

Elevation: < 1050 m

Bioregions: s SCo, PR (San Diego Co.)

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.