Also called deervetch, California broom, and western bird’s-foil, this deciduous perennial subshrub is native to California and is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, that also includes lupine, mimosa, and black locust. The plant grows up to 3′ tall and has flexible green branches bearing pinnately compound leaves with 3-5 oblong leaflets sparsely covered with short hairs. From early spring to late summer, small, yellow flowers appear in cluster of 2-7 in the upper leaf axils. The flowers mature to red and are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. The fruit is a curved pods with two seeds. Although not especially ornamental, the plant is valued for use for soil erosion control, habitat restoration, and food for wildlife including deer. The genus name, Acmispon, is of uncertain origin. The specific epithet, glaber, is the Latin word meaning hairless.
Type: Perennial subshrub
Outstanding Feature: Flowers
Form: Fountain
Growth Rate: Rapid
Bloom: Small, yellow flowers aging to red in clusters of 2-7 in upper leaf axils from early spring to late summer
Size: 3′ H x 3′ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average, medium most to dry, well-drained; drought tolerant once established
Hardiness: Zones 7-11
Care: Cut back in late summer or early fall to stimulate new growth
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed
Outstanding Selections: None available
Photo Credits Wikipedia
Karen Meyers