Silver Bird's-Foot Trefoil

Acmispon argophyllus

Native to:
Mexican Pacific Is., Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Acmispon
Species:
Acmispon argophyllus
USDA Symbol:
LOAR3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Avalona hairstreak (Strymon avalona), Dusky Green Hairstreak (Callophrys dumetorum)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, native pollinators
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from crown after fire. Seeds are stimulated by heat, and plant shows increased flowering post-burn.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky slopes and coastal areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Scarification or hot water treatment improves germination. Seeds have hard coats typical of Fabaceae.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI