Some Common Plants of Upper Newport Bay

Deerweed  (Lotus Scoparius)
Plant:  A sprawling perennial shrub up to 3 feet tall with slender, branching stems.  Nitrogen fixing bacteria associated with the plant's roots convert nitrogen gas into nitrates useable by plants as food.
Flowers: The many golden-yellow flowers, often seen with a hint of red, arise on short, little stalks from a single point.  These groups are dispersed up the main stem.  The flowers are the characteristic pea shape.
Stem,  flower and seed pod, Leaf: The 3-parted, narrow, oblong leaves are sparse along the stems.  The pods, with 2 or 3 dark brown seeds, taper to a slender point.
Leaf: Alternate on stems, 3 oblong leaflets 1/8 to 3/8 inches long.
Flowering period:  January to December
Use by Indians:  
Can be found here: Back Bay Drive, Shellmaker Island, Bayview
Nature Trail
Native Plant: Yes Halophyte: No
Family Name: Pea
Click on Picture for enlarged version

Date: 10/16/2005