Thermopsis californica var. californica
Herbs 3–8(–9) dm, sparsely to densely tomentose or villous. Branches weakly to moderately zigzag. Leaves: stipules widely to narrowly ovate, 2.5–6.5 × 1.5–5 cm, base cuneate to amplexicaul; petiole 1.5–3.5 cm; leaflet blades elliptic to obovate or rhombic, 3.5–7(–9) × 2–4(–4.5) cm, apex obtuse to acute. Peduncles (4–)6–10 cm; bracts widely ovate to nearly lanceolate, 6–15(–30) × 3–15(–20) mm. Racemes 12–40-flowered, 10–30(–35) cm. Flowers: calyx 5–8(–9) × 6–9 mm at limb, lobes 2.5–5 mm; wing and keel petals oblong-elliptic; ovules 5–8. Legumes 3–5.5 × 0.6–0.7 cm. Seeds 3–5(–10), 4 × 2.8 mm.
Phenology: Flowering May–Jun.
Habitat: Chaparral.
Elevation: 0–1000 m.
Distribution
Calif.
Discussion
Variety californica is the more commonly encountered and more variable taxon of the Thermopsis californica complex. It is distinguished from vars. argentata and semota by its larger habit, broader stipules and bracts, and sparsely to densely tomentose vestiture.
Variety californica occurs in coastal regions of central California, mostly in chaparral.
Selected References
None.