Hosackia pinnata (Hook.) Abrams

Hosackia pinnata (Hook.) Abrams, previously known by the synonym Lotus pinnatus, is a species of legume native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to California. Its common names are meadow bird's-foot trefoil and bog bird's-foot trefoil.

British Columbia Distribution

In British Columbia, this species only occurs in a small number of rare populations near Nanaimo. It grows in moist to wet habitats, including bogs and spring meadows.

Plant Growth Form

This plant is a hairless perennial herb. Its stems bear leaves each composed of green oval leaflets, which measure 1 to 2.5 centimeters in length.

Inflorescence Features

The inflorescence is an arrangement of up to 10 pealike flowers, each between 1 and 2 centimeters long. Every flower has a bright yellow upper petal (called a banner) and white lower petals.

Fruit Characteristics

The fruit is a slender, elongated legume pod that can reach up to 5 centimeters long and only a few millimeters wide.

Eponymous Park

A park in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, is named after this species using its outdated synonym: Lotus Pinnatus Park.