Herbs, 0.1–0.4 m, sericeous to subvillous, rhizomatous. Leaves: rachis 2–4 cm; leaflets 9–15, blades narrowly linear, 0.5–3 cm, surfaces subsericeous. Inflorescences 5–35-flowered, crowded or loose, 5–20 cm; bracteoles 0. Pedicels 5–6 mm. Flowers ascending-divergent, 16–25 mm; calyx broadly campanulate, asymmetrically pouched, 5–9 mm; corolla purple, fading blue; ovary pubescent. Legumes tan to light brown, cylindric, torulose, 2–6 × 0.6–0.8 cm, papery to almost leathery. Seeds 1–6, mustard-yellow, 6–7 mm.

Phenology: Flowering Apr–Jun.
Habitat: Deep sand, dunes, with sage, juniper, and Ephedra.
Elevation: 900–1900 m.

Distribution

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Ariz., N.Mex., Utah.

Discussion

Sophora stenophylla is known from Utah in all coun­ties from Uintah County southwestward to Washing­ton County and counties east, from the three northeastern counties (Apache, Coconino, and Navajo) of Arizona, and from northwestern and south-central New Mexico. The species has pleasantly fragrant flowers. It grows in dunes or areas of loose to compacted sands.

A report of Sophora stenophylla from Nevada (V. E. Rudd 1972) could not be verified.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.