Common name(s): Deerweed, California broom

Family: Fabaceae - Legume family

Species: Acmispon glaber

Commonly found: Sandy and disturbed areas

Size: Up to 3 feet tall

Origin: Native to California 

Description: Deerweed is a pioneer species, as it is often one of the first species to colonize a disturbed area, especially after major fires. Like a number of other members of the pea family, the roots of deerweed are home to a type of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which convert nitrogen from the air into the kind of nitrogen that can be used by other plants. Flowers are long and turn from yellow to orange over their lifespan. Flowers typically bloom from March to July, but can be found throughout the year.