formerly named Lotus scoparius

1. Deer Vetch (Deer Weed) – Acmispon glaber (ACK-mee-spon GLAY-bur)
Formerly Lotus scoparius var. scoparius (LOW-tus sko-PARR-ee-us)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
Native to: California to Baja CA. Variant scoparius in coastal CA. Found in coastal scrublands, coastal
backdune/prairie, chaparral, desert washes. Increases after fire.
Growth characteristics: woody perennial shrub
mature height:
to 5 ft
mature width: 3-5 ft
Erect to prostrate shrub with many green branches arising from a woody base. Is drought-deciduous if
not watered in summer. Quick growth, lives 7-20 years in wild but may be only 2-3 in garden.
Blooms/fruits: Flowering depends on rainfall, but usually early spring to summer. Plants covered with
yellow pea-like flowers that turn orange after pollination.
Very attractive in a subtle way.
Uses in the garden: as a fast-growing shrub, for backs of beds, for erosion control and in butterfly
gardens. Attractive flowers. Useful when first establishing a garden – increases useable soil nitrogen.
Tolerates heat, full sun. Drought tolerant - good for xeriscaping.
Sensible substitute for: non-native bush peas such as Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum)
Attracts: Fantastic habitat plant. Nectar source for butterflies. Larval (caterpillar food ) for endangered
Palos Verdes Blue butterfly. Nectar also attracts many types of bees and other insects. Birds eat seed,
deer eat the foliage (hence its common name).
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Any texture; any pH, including alkali
Very drought tolerant once established; loses leaves if no summer water
None needed; actually increases soil nitrogen
Management: Easy to grow. Lightly prune in late summer if needed. Otherwise, just let the plant go.
Propagation: from seed: plants may reseed readily in bare soil. The plants may be transplanted
when young (be sure to dig down to depth of taproot). Otherwise difficult from seed – seeds need
special treatments. From cuttings: ? we’ve had low rates of success.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 8, 10-14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26
1/7/14
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