Sphaerophysa salsula
Austrian peaweed, Austrian Peaweed
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Not Native
Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes
Sphaerophysa salsula (Austrian peaweed) is a non-native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by Asian species that briefly established but is now extirpated, notable for unusual flower color and inflated fruit morphology.
Austrian peaweed is a naturalized perennial found in the southern San Joaquin Valley and potentially other disturbed areas, occurring in cultivated fields and disturbed sites at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces brick- or orange-red flowers with a distinctive keel longer than its wings, creating a vivid display in its small clusters. Growing with ascending stems 4 to 15 decimeters tall and spreading by root sprouting, it develops a robust and expansive growth habit. Its compound leaves feature 15 to 23 leaflets, each 0.6 to 2 centimeters long and ranging from oblong to ovate, with tiny awl-like stipules less than 5 millimeters in length. The fruit is spheric to ovate, 1.4 to 3 centimeters long, with a papery or membranous texture that is often mottled and glabrous.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Asian species that briefly established but is now extirpated, notable for unusual flower color and inflated fruit morphology
Habitat and range
Habitat: Cultivated fields, disturbed sites
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Kings, Kern
Outside California: sporadic in western United States, native to Asia
Bloom period
Sphaerophysa salsula blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
Cal-IPC Yes
Frequently asked questions
Is Sphaerophysa salsula native to California?
No. Sphaerophysa salsula is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Sphaerophysa salsula bloom?
Sphaerophysa salsula blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Sphaerophysa salsula grow?
Sphaerophysa salsula occurs in Kings, Kern, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Sphaerophysa salsula belong to?
Sphaerophysa salsula is in the Fabaceae family, genus Sphaerophysa.
Is Sphaerophysa salsula invasive in California?
Sphaerophysa salsula is listed by Cal-IPC with an invasiveness rating of Yes.
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.