Growth Form: Foothill Deervetch is a mat-forming forb/herb that may lay flat on the ground or grow upright; plants are fleshy and covered with short soft hairs.
Leaves: Foothill Deervetch has green leaves covered with short soft whitish hairs (pubescence); the leaves are compound with narrow leaflets.
Flower Color: Foothill Deervetch has yellow or orange small pea-like single flowers; the fruit is a pod.
Flowering Season: March to June.
Elevation: 5,000 feet (1,524 m) or usually lower.
Habitat Preferences: Low to mid-level elevations, desert flats, grasslands, oak, pine-woodland, mountains, very common on sandy deserts, roadsides and disturbed areas.
Recorded Range: In the United States, Lotus humistratus is native to the west and southwest in AZ, CA, ID, NM, NV, OR, TX and UT. It is also native to Baja California and northern Mexico.
Genus Information: In North America, USDA Plants Database lists 142 species for Lotus. Worldwide, World Flora Online includes 605 accepted species names for the genus.
The genus Lotus is under current taxonomic review and many species are now classified under the genus Acmispon.
In the Southwestern United States: Arizona has 15 species of Lotus, California has 35 species, Nevada has 12 species, New Mexico has 5 species, Texas has 4 species and Utah has 8 species. Data approximate, subject to revision.
The genus Lotus is under current taxonomic review and many species are now classified under the genus Acmispon. Lotus humistratus is now recognized as Acmispon brachycarpus.
Comments: Foothills Deervetch is a common Lotus found in both lower and middle elevations. This species, and other members of the genus Lotus, are also recognized under the genus name "Acmispon".
Foothill Deervetch, Lotus humistratus has attractive flowers, the flowers and their seeds may be visited by hummingbirds and/or small mammals including rodents and granivorous birds in search of nectar or food.
Beneficial Value to Butterflies, Honey Bees and Insects
Foothill Deervetch, Lotus humistratus has attractive flowers, the flowers and their plants may be visited by butterflies, moths, flies, honeybees, Native Bees and other insects in search of food and nectar.
****Special Value to Native Bees****
According to The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation or other source, Foothill Deervetch, Lotus humistratus, is recognized by pollination ecologists as attracting large numbers of Native bees. Click here for more information on their Pollinator Conservation Program.
Etymology:
The genus “Lotus” (Lo'tus:); Greek origin, name applied to the taste of the Jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba); thought to induce contentment and forgetfulness.
The genus was published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, (1707-1778).
The species epithet “humistratus” (humistra'tus:) means a low layer, this in reference to its low laying growing habit.
Ethnobotany - Native American Ethnobotany; University of Michigan - Dearborn
Karok Drug, Gynecological Aid; Infusion of plant taken and used as a wash by women in labor.
See ethno-botanical uses at Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn.
