Plants from shallow subterra­nean or superficial caudex; distal leaves foliose. Leaves: stipules connate-sheathing at prox­imal nodes, distinct at dis­tal nodes; leaflets (5 or)7–11(or 13), blades to 5–18(–27) mm, surfaces strigulose adaxi­ally (often densely so); terminal leaflet continuous with rachis. Flowers: calyx 4.4–5.8 × 3–4 mm; corolla white or creamy white, concolorous; banner 14–15.5 mm. Legumes not mottled, turning stramineous, much inflated, usually broadly obovoid or obovoid-ellipsoid, rarely semi-ellipsoid, 20–48 mm, (1–)1.2–2.2 mm wide when pressed; stipe 3–5(–6) mm. Seeds 10–20. 2n = 22.

Phenology: Flowering May–Jul.
Habitat: Rocky and gravelly slopes, canyon terraces, ledges of basalt.
Elevation: 400–1000 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Idaho, Oreg., Wash.

Discussion

Variety cusickii is known from Malheur County in Oregon, northward on both sides of the Snake River to Asotin County in Washington.

The enclosed ovules or seeds of var. cusickii are partially visible through the walls of the balloonlike, transparent fruits.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.