Deerweed*
Acmispon brachycarpus
Care
0–1ft tall
Friendly
Prized
Coastal sage scrub and chaparral from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County, below 2000 ft elevation, extending to Baja California
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Deerweed in a location that matches its native habitat preferences - it grows naturally across a wide range of western conditions, so it's adaptable to Bay Area gardens. Space plants according to whether you want them to spread into a mat or grow in clumpy upright forms; closer spacing creates denser coverage. Plant in spring to give the annual time to establish before summer.
After Planting
Deerweed is a legume, which means it fixes nitrogen and doesn't need fertilizer - just plant it and let it work. Since it's an annual herb native to foothill regions that handle variable moisture, it should establish relatively quickly once planted, though specific watering schedules aren't documented in available care data. Let the plant complete its natural annual cycle; expect flowers in season and seed pod development as the plant matures.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Desert tortoise, critical habitat designated
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Larval development on Lotus/Acmispon host plants, multiple generations spring-fall
Early nectar and pollen source during annual flowering
Reptiles
Spring foliage consumption after emergence from winter dormancy
Early season green plant material