Lotus scoparius

Photographs

My photos:

The photo to the right was taken along the Ortega Highway in the Santa Ana mountains, Orange County, in March.

The photo below is from Caspers Wilderness Park, Orange County, California. It was taken in winter, so the plant is rather boring - looking.

The photo below was taken at Torrey Pines in March, and shows a plant with some flowers.

This one was gloriously blooming at Joshua Tree in April.

More photos:

LasPilitas Flowers
Calflora Flowers Closeup

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Fabaceae

In the garden:

Lotus scoparius is a short-lived (7 to 20 years) bush, with erect slender green branches (almost twiggy). It is common to this area, growing from 3 to 4 feet in height. It produces golden-yellow flowers that turn red after they are pollinated. Flowers bloom from March through August. The flower has 5 petals, with the top petal larger than the rest and called the Banner. It drapes nicely over rock walls. If it receives summer watering, it will not live long; however, it will be more attractive. It is drought-tolerant. It is easy to grow from seed, and quick to germinate. One source indicates that it is drought deciduous but I have not been able to confirm this.

Lotus scoparius is used to encourage butterflies in California gardens and natural areas.

In the wild:

Lotus scoparius occurs on dry slopes and alluvial fans, especially after burns, below 5000 feet. It is a pioneer species in nature; that is, when a plant community is disturbed it emerges and helps to reestablish the plant community. As the plant community matures, Deerweed gradually disappears. Being a member of the pea family, Deerweed adds nitrogen to the soil with the help of symbiotic bacteria. Its range is from Lower California to Humboldt County.

It should not be confused with Lotus corniculatus, an invasive with a similar flower. Lotus scoparius is not invasive.

Ethnobotany:

Tongva (Gabrielino) women used the plant during and after pregnancy. The leaves were used for cough and chills.

Lotus scoparius (Deerweed)