Shortpod lotus
Acmispon brachycarpus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–8" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, ID, NM and 4 more states
Pollinators
small native bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA low, sprawling annual with small trifoliate leaves and tiny yellow pea-like flowers scattered along prostrate stems. Grows in dry, open, disturbed ground and grassland, completing its life cycle quickly in spring.
Wildlife value
The small flowers offer nectar and pollen to small native bees during the brief spring bloom window.
Common questions
- How much sun does Shortpod lotus need?
- Shortpod lotus grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Shortpod lotus bloom?
- Shortpod lotus blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Shortpod lotus native?
- Shortpod lotus (Acmispon brachycarpus) is native to AZ, CA, ID, NM and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Shortpod lotus attract?
- Shortpod lotus draws small native bees.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Shortpod lotus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz