Herbs (2.5–)3–5 dm, silvery-sericeous throughout. Branches weakly to moderately zigzag. Leaves: stipules ovate to lance­olate, 1.5–6 × 0.8–2.5 cm, base cuneate to cordate; petiole 1.3–2.1 cm; leaflet blades obovate to elliptic, 3–6.5 × 1.2–3.5 cm, apex obtuse to acute, sometimes short-mucronate. Peduncles 4–7(–10) cm; bracts ovate to lanceolate, 7–15 × 2.5–5 mm. Racemes 10–30-flowered, 8–20(–25) cm. Flowers: calyx 7–9(–10) × 5–8 mm at limb, lobes 3.5–4.5(–5) mm; wing and keel petals oblong-elliptic to reniform; ovules 8–11. Legumes 3–6(–7) × (0.5–)0.7–0.9 cm. Seeds 1–6, 4–5(–5.5) × (2.5–)3.5–4 mm. 2n = 18.

Phenology: Flowering May–Jun.
Habitat: Montane chaparral, pine forests.
Elevation: 1200–2200 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Calif.

Discussion

Variety argentata differs from the more widespread, more variable var. californica in its smaller habit and closely appressed, silvery vestiture.

Variety argentata is found in the northeasternmost counties (southeastern Siskiyou and closely adjacent Lassen, Modoc, and Shasta counties), and again in southwestern counties (Kern, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties), in mostly interior montane chaparral and pine forest.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.