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Wislizenia refracta
Wislizenia refracta Engelm.
Spectacle Fruit, Jackass Clover
Capparaceae (Caper Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: WIRE
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Jackass Clover is a sturdy plant, 3-6 feet tall with many branches. Most of the leaves are divided into 3 segments. The yellow flowers, about 1/2 inch across, grow in clusters around the upper fourth of the stem and bloom from the bottom up. The many stamens extend beyond the petals and persist even after the petals wither, giving the flower head a feathery appearance. They often grow so thickly that they give a yellow cast to a considerable area.
Although the plant parts are poisonous if eaten, this is a valuable honey plant nevertheless. The three leaflets give it a resemblance to clovers (Trifolium) in the pea family (Fabaceae), but the plants are not related. The origin of the word "jackass" in the common name is unknown.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Schizocarp
Size Notes: Up to about 6 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , NM , NV , TXNative Distribution: California's Central Valley east through southern Nevada to western Texas, and south to Mexico.
Native Habitat: Low, sandy or alkaline soil in deserts and arid grasslands; frequent along roads and washes.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACW | FACU |
Bibliography
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. LoughmillerSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Wislizenia refracta in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Wislizenia refracta in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Wislizenia refracta
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-03-15Research By: TWC Staff