Pickeringia montana

Common Name:
Chaparral pea
Plant Type:
Evergreen shrub
Family:
Fabaceae (The Pea Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
4-6 feet
Landscape/Garden Uses:
naturalizing
Flowering Season:
Spring

Flower Color:
Rose pink
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Occasional to no watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 10 degrees F. or less

Rounded shrub native to chaparral hillsides in California has stiff arching branches with tips that resemble spines as the branches mature. Branch tips display vivid pink pea flowers in early summer. It is not easy to establish in a garden setting.