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.

Shortpod lotus

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acmispon brachycarpus

Last reviewed: November 2026

Shortpod lotus (Acmispon brachycarpus) is a annual forb native to AZ, CA, ID, NM and 4 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw small native bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Shortpod lotus, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Shortpod lotus (Acmispon brachycarpus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Shortpod lotus.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A 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.

Growing Shortpod lotus

Grow Shortpod lotus in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 2 to 8 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Shortpod lotus? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app