Marina parryi
Parry dalea
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Marina parryi (Parry dalea) is a native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by larger plant 2-8 dm with well-spaced leaves.
Parry dalea is a California native perennial found in desert regions including the Mojave Desert in open desert washes, rocky slopes, and roadsides at elevations below 800 meters. Flowering from February to June, this plant produces small flowers in compact clusters with delicate purple or lavender hues. Growing 20 to 80 centimeters tall with stiff, hairy stems that spread in an open, branching form, it develops a distinctive shrubby structure. Its leaves are finely divided, featuring 11 to 23 small, rounded to oblong leaflets that are approximately 0.5 to 6 millimeters long and subtly dotted with glands. The compact flower clusters, typically 2 to 10 centimeters long, reveal delicate pea-like blossoms with a keel measuring 5 to 7 millimeters.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated in desert regions; larger plant 2-8 dm with well-spaced leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open desert washes, rocky slopes, roadsides
Elevation: < 800 m
California counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Kern
Outside California: Arizona, Mexico
Bloom period
Marina parryi blooms Feb-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Psorothamnus: Marina sprawls flat on ground; Psorothamnus stands upright as a shrub.; vs Dalea: Marina stems lack glands (smooth when rubbed); Dalea stems have sticky gland-dots.; vs Glycyrrhiza: Marina has tiny narrow leaflets; Glycyrrhiza has broad leaflets 6-10mm wide.; vs Ornithopus: Marina pods stay intact; Ornithopus pods break into bead-like segments.; vs Oxytropis: Marina flowers in 1cm dense spikes; Oxytropis in loose clusters with beaked keel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marina parryi native to California?
Yes. Marina parryi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Marina parryi bloom?
Marina parryi blooms Feb-Jun.
Where in California does Marina parryi grow?
Marina parryi occurs in Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, at elevations of < 800 m.
What plant family does Marina parryi belong to?
Marina parryi is in the Fabaceae family, genus Marina.
What habitat does Marina parryi grow in?
Marina parryi grows in Open desert washes, rocky slopes, roadsides.
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.