A Couple More Peas

Tomcat Clover (Trifolium willdenovii) and Tangier Pea (Lathyrus tingitanus) are at opposite ends of the spectrum in the Pea Family (Fabaceae or Leguminosea). Similarly colored, the first sports clusters of small flowers, while the second boasts billboard-sized blossoms. Both create spectacular displays.

I came across a roadside hill covered with Tomcat Clover in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mts. this spring, where it is very common. Mixed in with blue Miniature Lupine and yellow Hill Lotus, two more Pea Family members, its rosy-purple blossoms were like puddles of wine in blueberries and lemon custard. It was, as usual, breathtaking.

Often a small plant, Tomcat Clover can sprout stems up to 2' tall. The flowers, however, remain small, finding strength and beauty in numbers as they cluster in flowerheads up to 1 1/2" wide. The flowers are often tipped in white. Its typical three leaves (hence the generic Trifolium) are very narrow, pointed, and often serrated. Its specific name, willdenovii, pays homage to Carl Willdenow, Director of the Berlin Botanical Garden in the early 19th century. Tomcat Clover is an annual, blooming from March through July.

Nearing the shadows of the giant Redwoods, I found Tangier Pea, its large rosy flowers like something a botanical Dr. Frankenstein might create. The flower's banner is large, up to 1" wide, and is made to look even larger by the much smaller wings.

Tangier Peas are non-native annuals, which bloom from May through July, and can be found in California and Oregon. The plants are vines, and though they can be up to 8' long, each produces only 2 or 3 of Frankenstein's freakishly large blossoms. The vine has a flattened stem, and each leaf is actually a pair of rounded leaflets with a stem that ends in a tendril.

There are about 150 species in the Lathyrus genus that grow in temperate North America, as well as Eurasia. The Trifolum genus has about twice that number, mostly in northern temperate regions, but also in South America and Africa.

Lathyrus means 'stimulating', and is in reference to the seeds. Tingitanus means 'Tangiers'.

Tangier Peas and Tomcat Clover, very different members of two different genera, but in the same family, each provide us examples of how beautiful wildflowers can be, whether they are small flowers in large clusters, or just 2 or 3 outrageously large and colorful flowers. And with banner, wings, and keel, they're just a couple of peas.

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