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Hosackia gracilis

Also Known As

Lotus formosissimus
Lotus formossisimus
Bicolored Lotus
Coast Lotus
Harlequin Lotus
Meadow Lotus
Seaside Bird's Foot
Seaside Bird's-Foot Trefoil
Western Trefoil

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 8"-20"
W: 18"-36"

planting zones

8a-10b

Hosackia gracilis plant details

Hosackia gracilis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial groundcover with green foliage. In spring lavender, pink, purple and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Hosackia gracilis

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 18 IN - 36 IN - wide, 8 IN - 20 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender, pink, purple and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: hell strip, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Hosackia gracilis

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Groundcovering, perennial for damp areas in the garden, mat-forming to under 1' tall and spreading by rhizomes to 2' clumps. Native to the Pacific West, found in wetter areas along the shore or water courses. Pea-like flowers of yellow and purple open in spring above the foliage. Sun and plentiful water are requirements. Otherwise easy in USDA zone 8. Interesting common names include witch's teeth, harlequin lotus, meadow lotus, and bicolored lotus, in addition to seaside bird's-foot trefoil.

By: Cistus Nursery

Native to coastal California this ground hugging perennial member of the pea family is quite lovely. Bright yellow & lavender-pink pea flowers cover the foliage in Spring. Would be nice along paving stones, in parking strips, rock gardens or hanging in baskets. It spreads to 2’ & the leafy mats go dormant during Winter. It was once the nectar source for the now extinct Lotis Blue Butterfly. Aww... but it is still a beautiful plant! And maybe it will be a nectar source for our other butterfly populations? We’ll keep an eye on it & let you know.