Herbs to 0.8(–1) m. Stems pubescent, hairs yellow or orange reddish, 1–2.5 mm. Leaves (1.5–)2–7.5(–9) cm; stip­ules persistent; petiole (1.5–)2–7 mm, pubescent, hairs yellow or orange reddish, 1–2.5 mm; leaflets (12–)16–28(–32) pairs, blades 4–14 × 1–2.3 mm, margins glabrous or hairs to 0.4 mm. Pedicels 1–2.5 mm. Flowers: petals to 5–8(–9) mm; stamens 5–8, staminodia 0–2 (or 3); anthers to 1.6–2.8 mm; ovary slightly hairy throughout; ovules 5–10. Legumes (15–)18–32(–36) × (3.5–)4–5.5 mm. Seeds (2.2–)2.4–3.3 mm.

Phenology: Flowering mid summer–mid winter.
Habitat: Sandy pinelands, beaches, dunes, limestone or coral detritus, old fields, along roadsides, ditches, and railways.
Elevation: 0–50 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Fla., Ga., S.C., West Indies (Bahamas, Cuba, Grand Cayman, Jamaica), Central America (Honduras).

Discussion

Variety aspera is widespread in Florida, and ranges north along the coastal plain to scattered populations in Georgia and South Carolina.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.