Description

The large leaved lotus is a rather rare member of a range of plant communities throughout California. It is found at low elevations in hilly, dry settings, although it receives a good deal of atmospheric moisture in coastal settings such as the Channel Islands. It forms a mound compound leaves of blue-green. The flowers appear in mid-spring. Their variegated colors and unusual shape show off nicely against light green foliage. The resulting seed pods remind us that the large leaved lotus is part of the pea family, Fabaceae. An ideal growing site would receive about six hours of sun on well-draining soil. Little or no water is needed once the plant is established, though occasional foliar moisture would be appreciated. In a nursery setting, large leaved lotus has not gone dormant at any time of the year. However, in the ground one should expect at least partial dormancy at summer’s end.