Shrubs, relatively erect, low and rounded, pilosulous distally. Stems (2–)4–9 dm, glandular-tuberculate or -verrucose dis­tally. Principal leaves 1–3.5 cm; leaflets (5 or)7–13, blades obovate to obovate-oblong, (2–)3–9 mm. Peduncles 0–4(–5) cm. Inflorescences spikes, relatively densely flowered, not involucrate, 8–10 mm diam.; axis not to partially visible, 0.5–4 cm; bracts persistent or deciduous, 1–5.5(–6) mm. Calyces subsymmetric, (3.5–)3.8–5 mm, densely short-pubescent; tube 2.6–3.2 mm, with 2–4 blister glands between ribs, lobes broadly triangular-apiculate, unequal, abaxial longest. Corollas bicolored, banner yellowish or white, reddish in age, epistemonous petals rose-purple to pink or violet; papilionaceous; banner 3.2–7.5(–8) mm, blade deltate-cordate to orbiculate, (2.2–)2.8–4.8(–5.8) × 2.4–5.2 mm; epistemonous petals attached near or proximal to middle of stamen tube; wings 3.6–5.5 × 1.8–3 mm; keel connate valvately, blades 4.6–7 × 2.1–4.4 mm. Stamens 10, 5.6–10.5(–12) mm, filaments distinct to (1.7–)2–4 mm, anthers 0.6–1 mm. Legumes 2.2–2.7 mm, usually pilosulous distally, rarely glabrous, and dotted with small glands. Seeds apparently unknown.

Phenology: Flowering (summer–)fall(–winter).
Habitat: Rocky slopes, open and brushy areas, often on limestone soils.
Elevation: 400–2100 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

N.Mex., Tex., Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas).

Discussion

Variety argyrea occurs in trans-Pecos Texas and Val Verde County, and in southeastern New Mexico in Chaves, Eddy, and Lincoln counties.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.