Acmispon prostratus facts for kids

Acmispon prostratus, also known by other names like Lotus nuttallianus and Syrmatium prostratum, is a type of legume plant. Legumes are plants that produce their seeds in pods, like peas or beans. This plant is found naturally in California and the northwestern part of Mexico.

It has several common names, including beach lotus, Nuttall's lotus, and wire bird's-foot trefoil. It grows along the coast in places like beaches and bluffs.

About the Beach Lotus

The beach lotus is an annual herb. This means it lives for only one growing season, from seed to flower to seed. Its leaves are made up of small, oval leaflets, each about half to one centimeter long.

Flowers and Fruit

The plant produces groups of flowers called an inflorescence. Each group has 3 to 8 flowers. These flowers are about one centimeter long and are a mix of red and yellow colors.

After the flowers, the plant grows a slender, curved legume pod. This pod is the fruit and usually holds two small, bean-like seeds inside.

Where It Grows

The beach lotus is native to Baja California in Mexico. It also grows a little bit into San Diego County, California. It likes to live in coastal areas, such as sandy beaches and rocky cliffs.

A Rare Plant

This plant is quite rare, especially along the busy coastline around the city of San Diego. There are only a few places where it still grows, like Mission Bay, the Silver Strand, and Imperial Beach. Because its home is often developed for buildings or other uses, the beach lotus needs protection to survive.