Deerweed

Lotus scoparius

Deerweed is a fast, broom-like California subshrub covered in small yellow pea flowers that age orange-red, a key nitrogen-fixing fire-follower, larval host, and bee plant for hot, dry, sunny slopes.

Family: Fabaceae
Type: shrub
Lifespan: perennial
Height: 1–3 ft
Spacing: 2–4 ft apart
Light: sun
Soil moisture: dry
Soil pH: neutral
Bloom: March, April, May, June, July
Bloom colors: yellow, orange
Wildlife value: pollinators, butterflies, larval host
Landscape uses: foundation, erosion control
Native states: CA