Acmispon maritimus, commonly known as Coastal Bird’s-foot Trefoil, is an annual herb native to coastal dunes and bluffs. It is found predominantly along the coast of California, the Southwestern US states, and extends into Baja California in Mexico. This plant typically grows to a modest size with slender stems reaching up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are pinnate with small leaflets arranged in pairs. During the flowering season, which occurs from April to August, Acmispon maritimus produces an inflorescence of small, showy yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators. The fruit is a slender legume pod that can be up to 1 inch long, which splits open upon maturation to release seeds.

Coastal Bird’s-foot Trefoil is valued for its ability to thrive in sandy, well-drained soils and its resilience to salt spray, making it suitable for coastal restoration projects and erosion control. It requires minimal water once established, preferring full sun to light shade conditions. This species is not commonly used in traditional garden settings but can be an interesting addition to native plant gardens or wildflower meadows. A notable characteristic is its increased rate of seed germination following exposure to heat, such as after a fire, which is an adaptation to its fire-prone native habitat. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0