Deerweed (Lotus scoparius)

Written by Diane Beauton

Deerweed is a perennial shrub in the family Fabaceae (pea family). It is also known as California Broom or Western Bird's-Foot Trefoil. Deerweed is very similar in appearance to the garden variety many of us have in our gardens, known as Witches Broom (Cytisus scoparius).

The plant thrives in dry areas of California, Arizona, and Mexico, but it is commonly found in many coastal sand roadsides.

This common stringy bush of green, yellow and reddish-orange has been sighted on every trail we have traveled, and made it's colorful show in most of our photographs.

The stems are erect and somewhat fork-like, with small leaves consisting of three to six leaflets. The yellow clustered blossoms appear between March and August. The fruit pods are curved and have two seeds.

Notice the bright array of colors of the Deerweed mingling with the other natural flora ~ it's beautiful in every appearing.

Click to enlarge to see all the radiant color.