Ornithopus pinnatus
Pinnate leaved ornithopus
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Ornithopus pinnatus (Pinnate leaved ornithopus) is a non-native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by clear morphological differences in pubescence, leaflet shape, flower color, and fruit curvature.
Pinnate leaved ornithopus is a naturalized annual found in coastal prairies and disturbed areas of the central coast region, specifically Santa Cruz County, at elevations of 150 to 200 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces yellow flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with slender stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it has a glabrous or slightly hairy appearance. Its compound leaves feature linear to oblanceolate leaflets arranged along the stem. The distinctive elongated fruits are generally curved, measuring 2 to 3.5 centimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; clear morphological differences in pubescence, leaflet shape, flower color, and fruit curvature
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal prairies, disturbed areas
Elevation: 150-200 m
Outside California: native to Europe
Bloom period
Ornithopus pinnatus blooms Jun-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Lotus: Ornithopus pods break into segments like beads; Lotus pods split open along seams.; vs Oxytropis: Ornithopus has segmented pods; Oxytropis has regular pods with beaked keel petal.; vs Astragalus: Ornithopus pods crumble into segments; Astragalus pods split open intact.; vs Peteria: Ornithopus lacks spines; Peteria has conspicuous spiny stipules at leaf bases.; vs Marina: Ornithopus pods break into segments; Marina pods stay intact with single seed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ornithopus pinnatus native to California?
No. Ornithopus pinnatus is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Ornithopus pinnatus bloom?
Ornithopus pinnatus blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Ornithopus pinnatus belong to?
Ornithopus pinnatus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Ornithopus.
What habitat does Ornithopus pinnatus grow in?
Ornithopus pinnatus grows in Coastal prairies, disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.