Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Shrubs

Indian Rushpea, Hoffmannseggia glauca

Indian Rushpea, Hoffmannseggia glauca. Flowering Photos Taken April 19, 2008. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Indian Rushpea Hoffmannseggia glauca.	Indian Rushpea Hoffmannseggia glauca.

Indian Rushpea Hoffmannseggia glauca, Legume or Pea Family ( Leguminosae ), Indian Rushpea. Also called; Hoffmanseggia glauca, Caesalpinia falcaria, Hog Potato, Hog Potato Flower, Pig Nut, Camote de Raton (Mouses Sweet Potato). Hoffmannseggia glauca is an erect, perennial, herbal, dicot, found in the pea family; Fabaceae. It can measure up to 3 feet tall, but it averages about 4 to 12 inches tall. It has green, fern-like compound leaves with primary and secondary leaflets on slender reddish branches growing out from the base of the plant, with stalked hairy glands. It has a glandulara inflorescence about 2 -6 inches long. Its orange-red flowers bloom between the months of April and June. The fruit that develops are curved bean pods about 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long. The fruit may or may not be deciduous. It is called Hog Potato because it has nut-like, tuberous roots that are eaten by hogs. Height: Up To About 4 to 12 inches tall. Flowers: Yellow to orange-red. 5 large yellow petals about 1 inch long, with red dots, and 6 red stamens with large red anthers. Blooming Time: April - June. Again after our Arizona monsoon rains in July to September. Fruit: Slightly curved dark redish brown pods, 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long, and 1/16 to 1/8 inch wide. Leaves: Dull green compound leaves with primary and secondary leaflets. Its primary leaflets are odd-pinnate, while its secondary leaflets are even-pinnate. Found: Found native in southwestern USA, Mexico and South America. Elevation: 1,000 - 3,800 Feet. Habitat: Alkaline desert flats, creosote bush communities, and disturbed areas. Prefers under 1,000 feet elevation. Miscellaneous: Considered in many communities to be an invasive weed. Flowering Photos Taken April 19, 2008. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.