Desert Rock Pea
Shrubby Deer Vetch
Lotus rigidus
Watercolor llustration from a specimen found in flower and fruit at Superstition Mts., Pinal Co., Arizona. 29 Feb. 1992. Desert Rock Pea provides important forage for Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis).
PERENNIAL: The herbaceous growth reaches a height of
50± cm from a slightly woody crown. The twigs are somewhat
succulent and brittle.
FLOWERS: This perennial produces lush
growth and abundant
yellow-orange pea flowers very early in the spring (Jan-Apr).
RANGE:In spring, Desert Rock Pea can be found on rocky slopes nearly
throughout the Arizona Sonoran Desert. Also known as deer vetch, it is
important forage for Desert Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep.
LEAVES: Compound leaves have 3-5 leaflets.
FRUIT:The pods take on a bright reddish hue as they mature.
UNARMED
Cool moist winters favor the development of an abundance of Pea Aphids on desert rock pea which attract many Convergent Lady Beetles (Hippodamia convergens) whose larvae devoure the aphids.