Plant Database

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Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

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.