Cologania obovata

Kearney and Peebles 1969

Duration: Perennial Nativity: Native Lifeform: Forb/Herb General: Herbaceous, pubescent perennial, pubescence shaggy-villous, plant erect to trailing or twining. Leaves: Pinnately trifoliate on very short petioles, leaflets broadly ovate, with broadly acuminate or rounded tips, terminal leaflets 18-35 mm wide, leaves bright green. Flowers: Lavender to white with lavender edges and streaks, 2.5-3 cm long, with a rounded banner which rises behind the keel portion of the flower, the banner cleft in the middle; the keel generally the same color as the banner and protruding outwards, often 2-3 flowers in a cluster, arising from the leaf axils on short pedicels. Calyx tubular, with only 4 teeth. Fruits: Flattened, narrowly oblong pods, shaggy-villous with tan hairs, seeds several. Ecology: Found in rich soils in open areas in pine forests, from 6,000-7,500 ft (1829-2286 m); flowering July-August. Notes: Look to the calyx with 4 teeth to help identify this genus, along with the purple petals. The similar looking Phaseolus and Desmodium have 5 sepals. This species is commonly found under the name Cologania lemmoni. Ethnobotany: Unknown Etymology: Cologania is of uncertain origin, while obovata means obovate, likely referring to the leaves. Synonyms: Cologania lemmonii, Cologania pringlei, Cologania humilis, Cologania humifusa, Cologania houghii, Cologania deamii Editor: LCrumbacher, 2011