Texas Bluebonnet

Texas Bluebonnet

Common Name(s):: Texas Bluebonnet
Scientific Name:: Lupinus texensis
Family:: Fabaceae; Pea Family
Flower:: Light blue to Deep violet 1/4-1/2" flowers in spikes.
Leaves:: Divided into 5 leaflets which are joined at the base.
Plant:: 1-2' tall bushy plant.

General Comments:: 6 varieties are common in Texas. This variety is the most common in Houston. Makes showy roadside displays.

Black Medic

Black Medic

Common Name(s):: Black Medic
Scientific Name:: Medicago lupulina
Family:: Fabaceae; Pea Family
Flower:: 1/4" globular cluster of tiny flowers.
Leaves:: Divided into 3 leaflets. Similar to clover
Plant:: Forms mats of creeping stems up to 2'

General Comments:: European native now found throughout US. Related to Alfalfa.

Bur-Clover

Bur-Clover

Common Name(s):: Bur-Clover
Scientific Name:: Medicago polymorpha
Family:: Fabaceae; Pea Family
Flower:: Small yellow irregular flowers in small globular clusters.
Leaves:: Divided into 3 toothed leaflets. Has prickles at the base of the leaflets.
Plant:: Sprawling ground cover.

General Comments:: Larger flowers but fewer in each cluster compared to Black medic.

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PeaFamily (Fabaceae)