Ornate Dalea
(Dalea ornata )
Fabaceae

Photo Copyright Gary A. Monroe. Mineral Co.

Description: Perennial herb 12 - 24 inches (3-6 dm) high with dried stems present from previous year. Leaves and stems dotted with tiny glands. Leaves 1-3/16 - 2 inches (3-5 cm) long with 5-7 ovate leaflets 3/8 - 3/4 inches (1-2 cm) long. Inflorescence a wooly looking spike 3/4 - 2-3/8 inches (2-6 cm) long with many rose-purple flowers that don't appear pea-like.

Identifying Features:

1. Leaves and stems dotted with tiny glands
2. Wooly, rose-colored flower spikes.

Distribution: Lassen County. Also Nevada and Oregon. Within California public lands administered by the Eagle Lake Field Office, only from south edge of Tablelands northwest of Shaffer Mountains.

Habitat: Open rocky clay flats in sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and sunflowers at altitudes from 4,500 to 4,600 feet (1372 to 1402 meters).

Flowering Period: June-August

Similar Plants: A rather distinct plant, but similar to alfalfa.

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 2