Herbs, 10–65(–100) cm; rhi­zomes absent. Stems decum­bent, ascending, or erect; thorns absent. Leaflets usually 1 (some­times 3 distally and in inflo­res­cences), blades elliptic, oblong-elliptic, or elliptic-orbiculate, (10–)20–50 × 5–30 mm. Racemes dense. Flowers 1 per node, subsessile, (9–)13–16 mm; corolla often pink, sometimes white. Fruits ovoid, 6–10 mm. Seeds 2 or 3, ovoid, 2–3 mm, smooth. 2n = 30 (Europe).

Phenology: Flowering spring.
Habitat: Open, grazed oak woodlands, savannas, dry arroyos.
Elevation: 300–400 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Introduced; Calif., s Europe, w Asia, n Africa, introduced also in n Europe, Australia.

Discussion

The first and only report of Ononis alopecuroides in North America is based on a colony discovered in San Luis Obispo county in 1998. Because O. alopecuroides is considered weedy in northern Europe (where it is introduced) and is a potential invasive weed in California, state officials eradicated all plants located in subsequent years, and have maintained an alert for any reoccurrence.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.