Acmispon procumbens facts for kids

Acmispon procumbens, also called silky deerweed, is a special type of plant. It belongs to the legume family, which includes peas and beans. This plant is endemic to California, meaning it naturally grows only there.

You can find silky deerweed in many different places across California. It grows from the warm Central Valley to the dry Mojave Desert. It also thrives in the Peninsular Ranges, which are mountain chains.

What is Silky Deerweed?

Silky deerweed is a tough plant that lives for many years. Plants that live for more than two years are called perennials. This plant often spreads out like a thick mat on the ground. Sometimes, it can even grow straight up, reaching almost a meter (about 3 feet) tall.

Leaves and Flowers

The plant has thin branches covered with small leaves. Each leaf is usually made up of three smaller parts called leaflets.

When it blooms, silky deerweed produces beautiful yellow flowers. These flowers often have red veins, making them look even more interesting. They are usually about 1 to 2 centimeters (less than an inch) long. You'll typically see one to three flowers growing together in a cluster.

Fruits and Seeds

After the flowers, the plant grows a fruit called a legume pod. This pod is just over a centimeter long. Inside, it holds two or three seeds that look like tiny beans. These pods are how the plant spreads its seeds and grows new plants.