Shrubs to 1–4 m. Leaves: stip­ules inconspicuous or cadu­cous, 3–4 mm; leaflet blade linear-lanceolate to linear-subspatulate. Racemes pen­dent, short. Flowers: calyx deep red, broadly campanulate, abaxial lip 3-lobed, middle lobe minutely fringed, adaxial lip 2-lobed; petals clawed, banner rhombic-ovate or obovate, 10–12 mm, wings longer than banner, sparsely pubescent, keel narrowly oblong, shorter than banner. Legumes 12–18 × 8–10 mm, with short, curved mucro. Seeds black, strophiolate. 2n = 48.

Phenology: Flowering Feb–Jun.
Habitat: Coastal sage scrub, disturbed annual grasslands, alluvial fans on well drained granitic sandy-loam soils.
Elevation: 0–200 m.

Distribution

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Introduced; Calif., Europe (Portugal, Spain), n Africa, introduced also in South America (Ecuador), Europe (Italy), Australia (Tasmania).

Discussion

Retama monosperma is an invasive escape with populations established in Amador, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego counties. The California Invasive Plants Council lists it as an alert species because it is invasive in other regions with similar climates. Retama monosperma is also an official State of Cali­fornia Noxious Weed (sect. 4500 Agricultural Code), not legal to be sold in the state (although planting is determined by each county). Each plant produces large numbers of seeds, which are dispersed by ants and birds.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.