Scurfpea (2)

Lemon Scurfpea
Psoralidium lanceolatum

Family: Pea (Fabaceae)
AKA: Lanceleaf Scurfpea
Photo taken on: June 4, 2009
Location: Bandelier National Monument, NM
Life Zones: Plains to foothills
Habitat: Dry, sandy areas

Grows to 20" in patches appearing grass-like. Leaves are divided into 3 narrow leaflets. Tiny flowers are white to purple.

Slimflower Scurfpea
Psoralidium tenuiflorum

Family: Pea (Fabaceae)
AKA: Slender-flowered Scurfpea, Scurfy Pea, Wild Alfafa
Photo taken on: September 2, 2013
Location: Wet Mountains, Eastern CO
Life Zones: Plains to foothills
Habitat: Dry open slopes, prairie

Grows 2 to 3ft with many branches from a stout stem. Leaves have three leaflets and are dotted with glands. The tiny, blue- purple pea-like flowers grow in a loose long cluster. Compare to Alfalfa which has tight round clusters of flowers.