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California Native Plant

Lotus rigidus

Desert Rock Pea, Deer Vetch

Plant photo of: Lotus rigidus
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Information by: George Hull MSN        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

Rock pea is a durable perennial that grows to about 1 1/2' tall by 2' wide. Yellow and orange pea-shaped flowers appear from February through May. This plant can tolerate full sun, reflected heat, drought, and poor soils as long as they are well drained. Rock pea is native to Arizona, southern Utah and Nevada, California, and into northwestern Mexico. Numerous stems branch from a woody base. It is drought deciduous and can get leggy with too much water. Good to cut to ground to rejuvenate.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Orange, Yellow

Flower Season

Winter, Spring

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

Bark Color

Brown

Fruit Color

Red

Fruit Season

Spring

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low, Low, Extra in Summer

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

Sandy, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Patio, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Use multiple cycles of irrigation on watering days. Most sprinklers deliver water faster than soils can absorb it.

By breaking up the watering time into smaller segments, runoff can be greatly reduced.