Status: Native
Synonyms:
Phaseolus metcalfei Wooton & Standley
Phaseolus retusus Bentham, non Moench
Phaseolus maculatus is a prostrate and trailing perennial herb that is easy to recognize by virtue of the large size of the herbage. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet round to oval and 40-80mm long. The leaflets point upwards rather than being positioned flat on the ground. The flowers are small in comparision, and purple when fresh. The pods are 5-7cm long and glabrous. Phaseolus maculatus is found exposed on dry, rocky hillsides at middle elevation.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Phaseolus maculatus, photo Russ Kleinman & Bob Sivinski, San Francisco Mtns. near Pueblo Park Campground on Blue River Road, Aug. 14, 2009
Phaseolus maculatus, young pod, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos near Little Cherry Creek Ranch Road on Hwy 15, Aug. 20, 2009
Phaseolus maculatus, closeup of flower with coiled yellow keel, rose colored inner hood and purple petals, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos near Little Cherry Creek Ranch Road on Hwy 15, Aug. 26, 2009
Phaseolus maculatus, lateral closeup of flower with coiled yellow keel, rose colored inner hood and purple petals, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos near Little Cherry Creek Ranch Road on Hwy 15, Aug. 26, 2009
Phaseolus maculatus, mature pod, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Acklin Hill, November 12, 2009
Phaseolus maculatus, spotted beans, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Acklin Hill, November 12, 2009
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