Pickeringia montana ~ Chaparral Pea

Pickeringia montana, the Chaparral Pea is one of only a few shrubby California native plants in the pea family. Pickeringia montana grows primarily on dry ridgelines and south facing slopes. The Chaparral Pea blooms Spring into Summer, producing beautiful deep pink flowers. Pickeringia montana spreads by rhizomes as well as seed. The branches are stiff and rather scratchy. Pickeringia montana can be found in the Chaparral of the Coastal Ranges and the Sierra foothills. The Chaparral Pea grows to 3-4 feet tall and spreads to as much as 8 feet. Pickeringia montana is favored by the Marine Blue and is a fine addition to the Butterfly Garden. This Marine Blue Butterfly is laying eggs on the tips of the branches. Pickeringia montana will generally not need supplimental water once established. Pickeringia montana is cold hardy to 20° and likely colder.