Herbs annual, 3–30 cm, pubes­cent. Stems erect, ascending, or prostrate, branched. Leaves pal­mate; stipules ovate to oblong, 0.6–1 cm, margins entire, apex acuminate to cuspidate; petiole 0.5–6 cm; petiolules to 0.5 mm; leaflets 3, blades obovate, oblanceolate, or elliptic, 0.6–1.6 × 0.3–1.2 cm, base cuneate, veins obscure or slightly thickened, margins subentire to serrate, apex rounded, retuse, surfaces pubescent. Peduncles 0–0.2 cm. Inflorescences terminal or subterminal, usually paired, sometimes one head slightly stalked, partially hidden by terminal leaves and stipules, 10–40-flowered, ovoid or subglobose, 0.8–2.5 × 0.5–2 cm; involucres absent, involucrelike structure formed from terminal leaves and stipules. Pedicels absent; bracteoles broadly ovate to linear, 1–2 mm. Flowers 5.5–7.5 mm; calyx tubu­lar, 4–5 mm, pubescent, veins 5–10, tube 1.5–2 mm, lobes subequal, subulate, orifice open; corolla usually purple or pink, rarely white, 5–7 mm, banner obovate-oblong, 6–7 × 2–3 mm, apex rounded, slightly dentic­ulate. Legumes oblong, 2.5–3 mm. Seeds 1, yellow, mottled, ellipsoid, 1.6–2 mm, smooth. 2n = 16.

Phenology: Flowering May–Jun.
Habitat: Grassy fields, sandy ocean bluffs.
Elevation: 0–800 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Calif., Oreg., South America (Chile).

Discussion

Trifolium macraei was described from specimens col­lected in Chile; the South American plants have broader banners, smaller auricles on the wing petals, and styles that are barely curved upwards distally (D. Isely 1998). Further examination of the disjunct populations may reveal other differences and prompt reconsideration of the identity of North American specimens. The record from Massachusetts is a waif.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.