Thermopsis montana var. ovata
Torreya 41: 112. 1941.
Endemic
Basionym: Thermopsis montana subsp. ovata B. L. Robinson ex Piper Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 11: 349. 1906
Synonyms: T. gracilis var. ovata (B. L. Robinson ex Piper) M. G. Mendenhall T. macrophylla var. hitchcockii Isely T. montana var. hitchcockii (Isely) M. G. Mendenhall T. rhombifolia var. ovata (B. L. Robinson ex Piper) Isely
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 11.
Herbs 5–8(–10) dm, glabrate to sparsely appressed-pubescent. Stems erect, clustered, several-branched, from woody rootstock; branches weakly to moderately zigzag. Leaves: petiole 3.2–4 cm; leaflet blades broadly to narrowly elliptic or obovate, 4.5–6(–8) × 1.5–3(–5) cm, conspicuously net-veined abaxially, surfaces sparsely appressed-pubescent abaxially, glabrous adaxially. Racemes 12–25 cm; bracts narrowly elliptic. Flowers 1.9–2.2 cm. Legumes appressed-pubescent.
Phenology: Flowering May–Jun.
Habitat: Moist soils, along streams and ditches, meadows, dry sagebrush plains.
Elevation: 10–2000 m.
Distribution
Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), Que., Idaho, Mont., Oreg., Wash.
Discussion
Variety ovata is distinguished from var. montana by having a relatively robust habit, several-branched stems, and broader leaflets and bracts. It is introduced in Newfoundland and Quebec.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.